Search
Select the dictionary language
to degrade
01
(of human activities or natural forces) to gradually break down rocks, mountains, hills, etc.
Transitive: to degrade a landform
Examples
The constant freeze and thaw cycles degrade the rock faces.
Construction activities can degrade natural landscapes.
02
to reduce the quality or effectiveness of something
Transitive: to degrade quality or performance of something
Examples
The outdated technology has degraded the system's performance.
The chemical spill degraded the soil's fertility.
03
to treat someone disrespectfully or contemptuously
Transitive: to degrade sb
Examples
It 's unacceptable to degrade others based on their race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
The bully 's constant insults and mocking behavior degraded his classmates.
04
to lower someone's rank or position in a hierarchy, often as a form of punishment
Transitive: to degrade a person or their rank
Examples
The commander degraded the soldier's rank after the serious violation.
The corporation degraded many senior executives to lower roles following the merger.
Lexical Tree
degraded
degrader
degrading
degrade
