Debasement: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to indicate a lowering in quality or value, often in a moral or ethical context.

• The debasement of the currency led to inflation.
• He spoke about the moral debasement of politics today.

Refers to a decline to a lower condition, quality, or level. Often used in environmental or social contexts.

• Soil degradation is a major concern in agriculture.
• The degradation of urban areas can lead to increased crime.

Commonly associated with unethical or illegal behavior, particularly in politics or business.

• The mayor was arrested on charges of corruption.
• Corruption in the company led to its downfall.

Describes a reduction in function or ability, often used in medical or technical contexts.

• Hearing impairment can affect communication skills.
• The software is designed to assist users with visual impairment.

This term is often used to describe the reduction in value or quality of something, especially in a moral or ethical sense. It can apply to both objects and people, particularly in contexts of ethical decline.

• The debasement of the currency led to economic instability.
• His involvement in the scandal resulted in the debasement of his reputation.

Degradation is commonly used to describe a process of decline or decay. This can relate to societal, moral, environmental, or physical contexts. It emphasizes the gradual nature of decline.

• The degradation of the environment is a pressing issue.
• Years of neglect led to the degradation of the building.

Humiliation involves causing someone to feel ashamed or foolish, often in front of others. It is a very personal and emotional term, typically used to describe interpersonal interactions or public shaming.

• Her public humiliation during the meeting was difficult to watch.
• He experienced deep humiliation when he was laughed at by his peers.

Disgrace is used to describe a state of shame or loss of respect, often due to a person's actions. It has a strong negative connotation and is used in social and public contexts.

• His plagiarism was a disgrace to the academic community.
• The athlete fell from fame to disgrace after the doping scandal.

Appropriate when referring to the reduction in value or quality of something, often in a moral or ethical sense.

• The debasement of cultural values over time is alarming.
• His involvement in bribery led to the debasement of his reputation.

Often used to talk about the reduction of quality, value, or rank of something or someone, can imply humiliation in a personal sense.

• The chemicals in the water can degrade the metal pipes over time.
• He felt degraded after being scolded in front of his colleagues.

Typically used when referring to a gradual decline in quality, condition, or function, often in a physical or mental sense.

• Her eyesight started to deteriorate as she got older.
• The building began to deteriorate due to lack of maintenance.

Used to describe the loss of luster or quality, often in a metaphorical sense, indicating damage to reputation or appearance.

• The scandal tarnished his public image.
• Silver can tarnish if not stored properly.