Degrading
/dɪˈɡreɪdɪŋ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo reduce the quality or value of something; to lower in rank or status.
/dɪˈɡreɪd/
To lower in quality or value.
The constant criticism began to degrade his confidence.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite ice cream melting in the sun! When something degrades, it gets worse, like when the deliciousness melts away. Also, like the value of your trading cards go down.
👶 For kids: To make something not as good as it was before.
More Examples
The chemical process degrades the material over time.
The artist's work was intentionally degraded to create a specific effect.
How It's Used
"Pollution can degrade the quality of water."
"The company's reputation was degraded by the scandal."
To treat someone with contempt or disrespect; to humiliate.
/dɪˈɡreɪd/
To humiliate or insult someone.
The prisoner was degraded by his captors.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone saying mean things about you to make you feel small and worthless. That's degrading someone - making them feel less important.
👶 For kids: To make someone feel bad about themself.
More Examples
The comments made in the meeting were intended to degrade the speaker.
She felt degraded by his behavior.
How It's Used
"The public shaming was meant to degrade the individual."
"Constant insults can degrade a person's self-esteem."
Causing a loss of self-respect; humiliating.
/dɪˈɡreɪdɪŋ/
Causing a loss of self-respect.
The degrading conditions of the prison were a cause for concern.
💡 Simply: Imagine being forced to do something that makes you feel awful, embarrassed, or like you're worth less. Something that insults your worth and causes you to lose some self respect.
👶 For kids: Making someone feel like they're not important or good enough.
More Examples
She refused to participate in the degrading task.
He found the experience degrading.
How It's Used
"She found the experience degrading."
"The treatment was degrading and inhumane."
From Middle English *degreden*, from Old French *dégrader* ('to lower in rank, value, or quality'), from *dé-* (de-) + *grader* ('to step, grade').
The word 'degrade' has been used since the 14th century to describe a lowering in rank or status. Its usage has expanded to include the reduction of quality and humiliation over time.
Memory tip
Think of a garden that is losing its beauty, which 'degrades'.