degradation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "degradation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the process of something being degraded or deteriorated, often in a physical, moral, or environmental context. Example: "The degradation of the environment is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The status of the African golden cat in the wild has never been rigorously assessed, but the species is increasingly threatened by habitat degradation, loss and fragmentation, and by unsustainable hunting," according to one study.

The Guardian

"Everyone accepts these programmes were not effective, did not keep us safe and, even if they did, represent an unacceptable degradation of our rights".

The Guardian

"Spitting is universally recognised as perhaps the ultimate degradation and it's bound to result in rather aggressive retaliation," mused the consultant psychologist Dr Aric Sigman years later, in some nostalgia-based clip show or other.

The Guardian - Sport

The town in which Salim, "a man without a side", sets up shop, formerly Arab, then colonial, becomes a microcosm of a society moving towards independence: a place of chaotic and violent change; tribal warfare, ignorance, poverty and human degradation.

The Guardian - Books

Instead the voting pattern of Australia sends the message that Australia is completely relaxed about the degradation of Palestinian life.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sorry for the personal hurt and degradation, regret too for the damage inflicted on indigenous culture and identity.

The Guardian

The worries it and investors felt, should have been eradicated with a new record backlog and an assertion from the company that the margin degradation embedded within in it is small.

The Guardian - Business

The main cause of poverty today is environmental degradation caused by economic development.

The Guardian

A recent government report documents five types of degradation: soil; trees; shrubs; grasslands and water sources.

The Guardian

Well, I think it means a deterioration in the first instance of the economic wellbeing of the collective, in other words the degradation of the public sector.

The Guardian - Books

Restraints that should have existed in the interest of protection against environmental degradation have never been imposed.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental issues, use "degradation" to emphasize the declining health or quality of natural resources. This helps convey the severity of the problem.

Common error

Avoid using "degradation" to describe improvements or positive changes. "Degradation" inherently implies a negative decline or worsening of something.

Linguistic Context

The noun "degradation" primarily functions to describe a process or state of decline, deterioration, or reduction in quality. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage. Examples include "environmental degradation" and "moral degradation".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "degradation" is a versatile noun used to describe a decline or deterioration in various contexts, including environmental, moral, and physical realms. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and widely used. It frequently appears in news, business, and scientific domains, indicating a formal to neutral register. Alternatives such as "deterioration" or "decline" can be used depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. When using "degradation", ensure it aligns with a negative connotation, avoiding its misuse in positive contexts. Remember that "degradation" is very common, and authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist frequently employ it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Deterioration

Focuses on the process of becoming worse or lower in quality.

Decline

Emphasizes a gradual decrease in quality, quantity, or importance.

Decay

Highlights the process of rotting or decomposition.

Decline in quality

Specifies that the drop is about quality.

Worsening condition

Emphasizes the negative progression of a situation or state.

Lowering of standards

Specifically refers to a reduction in the level of quality or expectation.

Breakdown

Implies a failure or collapse of a system or structure.

Reduction

Focuses on the act of making something smaller or less.

Depletion

Highlights the consumption or exhaustion of resources.

Erosion

Suggests a gradual wearing away or destruction, often in a physical sense.

FAQs

How can I use "degradation" in a sentence?

You can use "degradation" to describe various forms of decline. For example: "The environmental "degradation" is a serious issue" or "The "degradation" of trust between the two parties led to the failure of negotiations".

What are some synonyms for "degradation"?

Alternatives to "degradation" include "deterioration", "decline", or "decay", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "degradation" and "deterioration"?

"Degradation" often implies a reduction in rank, character, or moral quality, while "deterioration" generally refers to a decline in physical condition or quality. Though similar, ""degradation"" can have a stronger negative connotation than ""deterioration"".

Is it correct to use "degradation" in the context of soil?

Yes, "degradation" is commonly used to describe the decline in soil quality due to factors like erosion, pollution, or overuse. For example, "Soil "degradation" has significantly reduced agricultural productivity in the region".