Degrader: meaning, definitions and examples

Degrader is often used to describe someone who belittles or lowers the value, quality, or status of something or someone. It generally has a negative connotation.

• His constant negative remarks make him a degrader of the team's morale.
• Don't let those degraders bring you down; your work is excellent.

A detractor is someone who diminishes the value or importance of someone or something, often by persistent criticism. This term also usually carries a negative connotation.

• Despite his many detractors, he continued to push forward with his innovative ideas.
• Detractors often find it easy to point out flaws but rarely offer solutions.

Underminer describes someone who seeks to weaken or ruin the foundation or credibility of someone or something. The term generally carries a negative connotation.

• Her constant gossiping and rumors made her an underminer of workplace harmony.
• The anonymous letters were clearly the work of an underminer trying to sow discord.

Saboteur refers to someone who deliberately damages, destroys, or disrupts something, especially for personal or political reasons. This term has a strongly negative connotation.

• The saboteur planted a virus in the company's computer systems to steal confidential data.
• During the war, saboteurs targeted critical infrastructure to hamper the enemy’s progress.

Critic is used to refer to someone who evaluates or judges the qualities or merits of something, such as a film, book, or performance. The term can be neutral or negative depending on the manner of criticism.

• The film critic gave the movie a four-star rating.
• She is her own harshest critic, always striving for perfection.

Applied when discussing a factor or agent that causes a general decline in condition, status, or function.

• Constant criticism can be a degrader of a person's self-esteem.
• Exposure to the elements is a degrader of wooden structures.

This word fits well when referring to someone or something that causes direct physical harm or damage.

• The vandal was considered a damager of public property.
• The flood was a major damager of homes in the area.

Use this term in situations where something causes gradual decline or worsening over time.

• Smoking is a known deteriorator of lung health.
• Neglect is a deteriorator of relationships.

Applied when something causes loss of strength, power, or effectiveness.

• Skipping meals can weaken your immune system.
• The scandal might weaken the politician's support base.

Best used when highlighting a cause of reduction in ability, function, or efficiency.

• Excessive noise is an impairer of concentration.
• Alcohol is an impairer of judgment.