# degraded

/dɪˈɡɹeɪdəd/ (US) · /dɪɡɹˈeɪdɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/degraded
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

describing something that has become lower in quality or weaker than it used to be. It is often used to talk about the environment or a person's status.

For teachers: reduced in quality, value, or strength; having lost its original integrity or status. Often used in environmental or social contexts to describe a state of decline.

## Examples

- The soil in this area is degraded and cannot grow crops.
- Decades of industrial waste have left the local river system severely degraded, making it unsafe for swimming or fishing.
- The report highlights how degraded habitats lead to a loss of biodiversity, as species can no longer find the resources they need to survive in damaged ecosystems.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb like 'become' or 'remain'; frequently modified by adverbs of degree like 'severely' or 'highly'.

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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.