English · Word Candidate

degradation

/ˌdɛɡɹəˈdeɪʃən/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: degradations

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The act of reducing in rank, character, or reputation, or of abasing; a lowering from one's standing or rank in office or society

Noun

Examples

This feature of good organization, the conferring of definite local superior rank, and the protection of the incumbent from unnecessary degradation, was discovered centuries ago by another effective institution, the Catholic church.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The state of being reduced in rank, character, or reputation; baseness; moral, physical, or intellectual degeneracy; disgrace; abasement; debasement.

Noun

Examples

There will be no poverty. All work will be done by living machines. Everybody will be free from worry and liberated from the degradation of labor. Everybody will live only to perfect himself.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “degradation” mean?

The act of reducing in rank, character, or reputation, or of abasing; a lowering from one's standing or rank in office or society

Is “degradation” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.