Vocabulary Spotlight
Degrade
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To reduce in quality, rank, or dignity; to deteriorate in quality.
“Pollution can rapidly degrade the quality of water in a lake.”
Pronunciation
[dih-greyd]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Lower
Demote
Corrupt
Depreciate
Antonyms
Enhance
Improve
Promote
Honor
Related Words
Degrading (adjective)
Word Origin
“Degrade” originates from the Latin “degradare,” meaning “to step down.” It conveys a sense of lowering in rank, quality, or dignity.
Word Family
Noun: Degradation – The act of degrading or declining in quality or rank.
Adjective: Degrading – Causing a loss of respect or dignity.
Mnemonics
Think “de-grade” as moving down a grade or rank – reducing in value or quality.
Industry-specific Usage
Environmental Science
Environmentalists warn that human activity can degrade ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss.
Technology
Software can degrade over time without updates, leading to reduced functionality and security risks.
Employment
In workplaces, degrading tasks or roles may lower employee morale and productivity.
In Context
“Degrade” is often used to describe a reduction in quality or respect, whether in materials, environment, or personal dignity. The term highlights situations where quality or value is diminished.