Word
degrade
Phoneticsde·grade, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈɡɹeɪd/
UK/dɪɡɹˈeɪd/
Definition
v. to break down or wear away slowly over time. You use this when talking about rocks, soil, or materials that get weaker or smaller because of nature.
v. to break down or deteriorate into simpler components or a lower state. In geological contexts, it refers to the wearing down of landforms through erosion or weathering.
Examples
“The plastic will slowly degrade in the sun.”
“Heavy rainfall caused the cliffside to degrade, eventually leading to a dangerous landslide near the coastal road.”
“Over millions of years, the relentless action of wind and water will degrade even the most formidable mountain ranges into rolling hills and sediment.”
Examples
simple
“The plastic will slowly degrade in the sun.”
contextual
“Heavy rainfall caused the cliffside to degrade, eventually leading to a dangerous landslide near the coastal road.”
complex
“Over millions of years, the relentless action of wind and water will degrade even the most formidable mountain ranges into rolling hills and sediment.”
Usage
The verb is both transitive and intransitive; it can describe an external force breaking something down or the object breaking down itself.
Real-World Examples
“Farage did not show up at the count, telling supporters Essex Police had warned him of an "organised campaign to disrupt and degrade the result".” “Overnight he told a rally of Reform UK supporters he had been advised there was an "organised campaign to disrupt and degrade the result" and wanted to avoid being "demeaned and humiliated by nobodies".” Etymology
From Middle French dégrader.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Idioms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/degrade