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Degradation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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degradation

[ˌdɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

environmental

The process of deteriorating or being degraded, especially environmentally.

Synonyms

destruction, deterioration.

Examples of usage

  • The degradation of the soil caused by deforestation is a serious environmental issue.
  • The degradation of the water quality in the river has led to the decline in aquatic life.
Context #2 | Noun

social

The act or process of degrading or being degraded in social status or position.

Synonyms

debasement, disgrace, humiliation.

Examples of usage

  • The degradation of the homeless population in society is a pressing issue.
  • The degradation of women's rights in certain countries is a violation of human rights.
Context #3 | Noun

technical

The reduction in quality or performance of a material or system.

Synonyms

degeneration, deterioration, weakening.

Examples of usage

  • The degradation of the electrical components led to the malfunction of the device.
  • The degradation of the building structure posed a safety risk to occupants.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Environmental Science

  • Degradation often refers to environmental harm, such as soil degradation, which affects agriculture and ecosystems.
  • Plastic pollution is a significant form of degradation; plastics can break down into microplastics that harm marine life.

Literature

  • Various authors have used degradation as a theme to explore moral and social decline, often depicting characters who undergo a significant loss of dignity.
  • In dystopian fiction, societal degradation often serves as a warning about the consequences of political corruption and neglect.

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, self-degradation can refer to a person's negative self-talk, leading to lowered self-esteem.
  • Studies show that experiencing social degradation can lead to increased anxiety and depression.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, degradation can be seen as a moral or ethical decline, impacting community values and behavior.
  • Certain movements aim to counteract cultural degradation by promoting the arts and preserving traditional practices.

Origin of 'degradation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'degradare', meaning 'to step down' or 'to lower'.
  • In English, it first appeared in the mid-15th century, originally in a legal context referring to a loss of rank or status.

The word 'degradation' originated from the Latin word 'degradatio', which means 'a lowering, degradation'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 15th century. The concept of degradation has been present throughout history, often associated with the decline or deterioration of something, whether it be environmental, social, or technical. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass various aspects of decline or deterioration in different contexts.

See also: degradable, degrader, degrading.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,260 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.