debasement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "debasement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the reduction in quality or value of something, often in a moral or ethical context. Example: "The debasement of the currency led to widespread economic instability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

David Hare, the great dramatic navigator of our life, times and moral debasement, has been lamenting the surfeit of bodies in television drama.

The Guardian - Opinion

They see the rise in gold to more than $1000 an ounce earlier this year as signalling the debasement of paper money, particularly the dollar.But what does the price of gold really tell us when measured against other assets?

The Economist

This also helps illustrate the acronym's subtle change in meaning, as Ms Palin, a family-values conservative, would never have said "what the fuck" on the air.But this is hardly the debasement of the language.

The Economist

It ranks each country according to how seriously various factors are taken, including small government and low taxes, protection of private property from expropriation and monetary debasement, and the ability to trade freely with other countries.It is no longer news that these things correlate with wealth and economic growth, but it was once.

The Economist

"Currency debasement and inflation," declared a gaggle of conservative economists and commentators in an open letter published as a full-page ad in leading newspapers.

The Economist

Only residents who have experienced the misery caused by street prostitution will understand the degradation, debasement and violent abuse of the prostitutes themselves.The Home Office is right to keep kerbcrawling, which feeds the trade, as an arrestable offence and should consider criminalising street prostitution.

The Economist

"The burqa is not a religious sign," Mr Sarkozy said last year, but rather a "sign of subservience, a sign of debasement" of women.

The Economist

They and many ordinary people are furious at the perceived debasement of Hong Kong's institutions.The pressure growsLegco, never powerful, has degenerated into farce as frustrated radicals resort to rowdyism and filibusters.

The Economist

Now Nicolas Sarkozy has sparked another by calling the burqa, a head-to-toe Islamic garment, "a sign of subjugation…of debasement" that is "not welcome on French territory".Mr Sarkozy's comments came after a group of deputies, led by André Gerin, a Communist, had called for a parliamentary inquiry into the wearing of the burqa, with a view to a possible ban.

The Economist

When national pride is used to justify despotic government, what is the eventual cost to ordinary people Lu Xun, one of China's greatest writers at the time of the country's debasement in the early 20th century, complained that the Chinese act like slaves before strong people, and like masters in front of the weak.

The Economist

And most leading Republicans have been unable to give an economic policy speech this cycle without moaning about easy money and dollar debasement.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "debasement", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the type of decline you are describing, whether it's moral, economic, or qualitative.

Common error

Avoid using "debasement" as a generic term for any type of decline. It often implies a significant reduction in value or quality, especially in moral or economic contexts. Use more neutral terms like "decline" or "deterioration" for less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "debasement" is as a noun. It represents the act or state of lowering in quality, value, or moral character. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "debasement" is a noun that signifies a decline in quality, value, or moral character. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently used. It is prevalent in contexts like news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. While inherently negative, its usage is generally neutral in register. When writing, ensure that "debasement" accurately reflects the severity and nature of the decline you intend to convey, considering alternatives like "degradation" or "deterioration" depending on the nuance you wish to express. Avoid using it as a generic term for any decline. Consider the economic, moral, and qualitative implications of the word when choosing to use "debasement".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Degradation

Focuses on the process of being reduced to a lower rank or status.

Deterioration

Emphasizes a decline in condition or quality over time.

Decline

Suggests a gradual decrease in importance, quality, or power.

Corruption

Implies moral decay or dishonesty.

Adulteration

Specifically refers to making something impure or of lower quality by adding foreign substances.

Devaluation

Highlights a reduction in monetary worth or esteem.

Depreciation

Refers to a decrease in the value of an asset.

Cheapening

Emphasizes the act of making something less valuable or respected.

Impairment

Suggests a weakening or damaging effect.

Spoiling

Indicates a process of decay or ruin.

FAQs

How can I use "debasement" in a sentence?

"Debasement" typically refers to a reduction in quality, value, or moral character. For example, "The "debasement of currency" led to inflation" or "The moral debasement of society is a concerning trend".

What are some synonyms for "debasement"?

Alternatives to "debasement" include "degradation", "deterioration", "decline", and "corruption". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "debasement" and "devaluation"?

"Debasement" often refers to a general decline in quality or moral standing, while "devaluation" specifically refers to a reduction in the value of a currency. Therefore, "devaluation" is a specific type of economic debasement.

Is "debasement" always negative?

Yes, "debasement" inherently carries a negative connotation, implying a decline or reduction in something valuable or desirable. There is no neutral or positive usage of "debasement".