Noun: degradation ,de-gru'dey-shun
- The process of declining to a lower state of quality, value, or character
"The degradation of the ecosystem was evident in the polluted waters";
- debasement
- A low or downcast state
"each confession brought her into an attitude of degradation";
- abasement, abjection
- (geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it), also figuratively
"The constant degradation of the cliffs by the sea has reshaped the coastline";
- erosion, eroding, eating away, wearing, wearing away
- Breakdown or decomposition of a substance or material
"UV radiation causes degradation of plastics"
Derived forms: degradations
Type of: change of state, geologic process, geological process, humiliation
Encyclopedia: Degradation