degrade

Everyday

1. To make something worse in quality or condition: pollution degrades the soil. tree →
2. (science) To break down slowly into smaller, simpler parts: plastic takes hundreds of years to degrade. tree →
3. To treat someone without respect, making them feel worthless: it degrades people to be shouted at. tree →
4. Something degrading is shameful and makes a person feel less worthy or respected. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons materials degrade over time; biodegradable materials can be broken down by living things like bacteria. In geography, land and habitats are degraded by pollution. In kindness lessons, degrading words and treatment are wrong. Phrases: biodegradable, degrade over time, degrading treatment, environmental degradation.

Examples

• Plastic bags take a very long time to degrade. tree →
• Banana peel degrades quickly in a compost heap. tree →
• Pollution has degraded the river. tree →
• (formal) Habitat degradation threatens many animals. tree →
• It is degrading to laugh at someone who is hurt. tree →
• Old photos degrade and fade in sunlight. tree →
• “I am the son of the prime minister of a great nation, and yet see what a degrading occupation I am reduced to.” tree →

Note

Regular verb: degraded, degrading. Noun: degradation. "Biodegradable" means something living things can break down. "Degrading" as an adjective means insulting or humiliating.