degradation

noun degradations

1. countable, uncountable The act of reducing in rank, character, or reputation, or of abasing; a lowering from one's standing or rank in office or society This feature of good organization, the conferring of definite local superior rank, and the protection of the incumbent from unnecessary degradation, was discovered centuries ago by another effective institution, the Catholic church.

   Similar: abasement

2. countable, uncountable The state of being reduced in rank, character, or reputation; baseness; moral, physical, or intellectual degeneracy; disgrace; abasement; debasement. There will be no poverty. All work will be done by living machines. Everybody will be free from worry and liberated from the degradation of labor. Everybody will live only to perfect himself.

   Similar: debauchment, depravement, perversion, abasement, adulteration, corruption, debasement, defilement, depravation, impurification, pollution, profanation

3. countable, uncountable Diminution or reduction of strength, efficacy, or value; degeneration; deterioration. […] for it could not be expected that a class condemned to increasing degradation of mind and body would be able to bring about the greatest revolution in history, including not only economic changes but the efflorescence of art and civilization.

   Similar: debasement, worsening, aggravation, corruption, degeneration, degradation, deterioration, devolution, embasement, exacerbation, ruining, withering

4. countable, uncountable A gradual wearing down or wasting, as of rocks and banks, by the action of water, frost etc. Overexploitation of land for fuelwood is a further cause of soil degradation in Africa, Asia and South America
5. countable, uncountable A deleterious change in the chemical structure, physical properties or appearance of a material from natural or artificial exposure.
6. countable, uncountable The state or condition of a species or group which exhibits degraded forms; degeneration.
7. countable, uncountable Arrest of development, or degeneration of any organ, or of the body as a whole. muscle degradation
8. countable, uncountable The gradual breakdown of components of a material, as a result of a natural element, i.e.: heat, cold and wind.