The meaning of DEGRADE is to lower in grade, rank, or status : demote. How to use degrade in a sentence. Did you know?

Something that degrades someone causes people to have less respect for them. ...the notion that pornography degrades women. [VERB noun] When I asked him if he had ever taken bribes he …

Every day the environment is further degraded by toxic wastes. Increasing numbers of people and livestock have removed large tracts of vegetation, degrading the land. By dehumanizing …

DEGRADE definition: to lower in dignity or estimation; bring into contempt. See examples of degrade used in a sentence.

Definition of degrade verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

degrade (dɪˈɡreɪd) vb 1. (tr) to reduce in worth, character, etc; disgrace; dishonour 2. (tr) to reduce in rank, status, or degree; remove from office; demote

[ ~ + obj] to lower in dignity or in respect; debase: She wouldn't degrade herself by cheating. Chemistry [no obj] (esp. of an organic compound) to break down or decompose: plastics that …

To degrade means to reduce the worth of something, as when smoke and pollution degrade the environment. The word can also mean to disrespect or insult: thoughtless comments can …

Jul 17, 2025 · degrade (third-person singular simple present degrades, present participle degrading, simple past and past participle degraded) Fred degrades himself by his behaviour.

DEGRADE meaning: 1 : to treat (someone or something) poorly and without respect; 2 : to make the quality of (something) worse