degradation
n. C / Un. the process of something becoming worse or weaker over time. It is often used to talk about the environment or materials breaking down.
n. the process by which something is made worse, weaker, or less effective; the wearing down of rocks or soil by natural forces.
Pollution causes the degradation of the local river water.
Environmental scientists are worried about the rapid degradation of the soil due to intensive farming practices.
The structural integrity of the bridge was compromised by the gradual degradation of the concrete, which had been exposed to salt spray for decades.
From French dégradation. Morphologically degrade + -ation.
Uncountable when referring to the general process; countable when referring to specific instances or types of decline.