# degrade

/dɪˈɡɹeɪd/ (US) · /dɪɡɹˈeɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/degrade
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- The verb is both transitive and intransitive; it can describe an external force breaking something down or the object breaking down itself.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.