Degrade: meaning, definitions and examples

When you talk about something losing its quality, value, or level, often in a general sense. It can also refer to the deterioration of substances over time.

• Pollution can degrade water quality
• Metals will degrade and rust over time

Typically used to describe actions that lower something's value or quality with a negative connotation. Often used in ethical or moral contexts.

• The scandal debased the politician's reputation
• Too much commercialization can debase art

To make something smaller or less important. Usually used when talking about size, degree, importance, or intensity of something.

• The medicine diminished the patient's pain
• His role in the project was significantly diminished

Used to decrease the height, level, or amount of something. It's often used in everyday situations.

• Please lower the volume of the music
• They had to lower the price to attract customers

Used when speaking negatively about someone or something in a way that shows you have little respect for them, often causing harm to their reputation.

• He tried to disparage his opponent to gain an advantage
• She disparaged his efforts in front of everyone