degrading

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'degrading' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an act or situation that lowers the value or dignity of someone or something. For example, "The employer's practice of making employees work overtime without pay was degrading to the workers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The language within the lyrics and the images within the promotional video are utterly degrading to the female subject.

The Guardian - Music

The six-to-one ruling in the Hutchinson case says the justice secretary does clearly have a power to release whole-life prisoners in exceptional circumstances making the law sufficient to comply with article three, which bans inhuman or degrading treatment.

The Guardian

But Paul Blair, a spokesman for the Rotorua People's Union, said the program was degrading and unfairly targeted the unemployed.

The Guardian

The civilised world is appalled by the cruel, degrading and cold-blooded execution of Troy Davis (Report, 22 September).

The Guardian

"Australia has an obligation to impartially investigate allegations of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, to criminally punish perpetrators, and to provide effective remedies (including compensation) to victims," Saul wrote.

The Guardian - Opinion

Twenty-two people 'liked' the original post, but on another of SRDF's pages, supporters of the charity criticised the photo as "degrading" and "humiliating", and asked for it to be removed.

The Guardian

In 1978 the European court of human rights admonished Britain for its inhuman and degrading treatment of the 14 prisoners but fell short of finding the UK guilty of torture.

The Guardian

Article three of the European convention on human rights prohibits "inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment".

The Guardian

Hutchinson claimed his whole-life sentence amounted to inhuman and degrading treatment as he had no hope of release.

The Guardian

But if this link between school and employment is so straightforward, why is the government intent on degrading such qualifications?

The Guardian

Dealing with international criticism, particularly from the US, that Britain was guilty of degrading treatment of internees, Mason ostentatiously insisted on the security forces using legitimate questioning methods.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "degrading", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being lowered in quality or status. Be specific about the object or subject being degraded to maximize clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "degrading" excessively in highly emotional arguments without providing substantial evidence. Overuse can weaken your argument and make it seem less credible. Rely on strong evidence to support the claim that something is "degrading".

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "degrading" is to act as an adjective describing something that causes a loss of dignity or respect. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word correctly and effectively conveys a negative impact on status or quality. Examples show it modifying terms like "treatment", "conditions", and "images".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "degrading" functions as an adjective to describe something that diminishes dignity or quality. As Ludwig AI suggests, the term is grammatically sound and appropriate for expressing disapproval in various contexts. The analysis reveals that "degrading" is frequently used in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. Related terms include "humiliating" and "demeaning". Usage tips advise specificity and caution against overuse in emotional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humiliating

Shares the sense of causing someone to feel ashamed and foolish, often publicly.

demeaning

Focuses on lowering someone's dignity or respect.

shameful

Directly implies causing or feeling shame.

dishonorable

Implies a loss of honor or integrity.

disgraceful

Suggests causing shame or scandal.

discreditable

Indicates something that brings a loss of reputation.

ignominious

Highlights public shame or disgrace.

disreputable

Suggests having a bad reputation or being untrustworthy.

scandalous

Emphasizes causing public outrage or shock.

offensive

Focuses on causing displeasure or hurt feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "degrading" in a sentence?

You can use "degrading" to describe situations or actions that lower someone's status or dignity. For example, "The constant criticism was degrading to her confidence."

What can I say instead of "degrading"?

You can use alternatives like "humiliating", "demeaning", or "offensive" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "degrading" or "demeaning"?

"Degrading" and "demeaning" are both correct but have slightly different nuances. "Degrading" implies a reduction in quality or status, while "demeaning" focuses more on lowering someone's dignity or respect.

What's the difference between "degrading" and "humiliating"?

"Degrading" suggests a general decline or lowering of value, while "humiliating" specifically refers to causing someone to feel ashamed or foolish.