degradable

American  

[dih-grey-duh-buhl] / dɪˈgreɪ də bəl /

adjective

1. susceptible to chemical breakdown.

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degradable British  

/ dɪˈɡreɪdəbəl /

adjective

1. (of waste products, packaging materials, etc) capable of being decomposed chemically or biologically See also biodegradable

2. capable of being degraded

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degradable Scientific  

/ dĭ-grā′də-bəl /

1. Relating to a compound that breaks down into simpler compounds by stages. During the degradation of a degradable compound, well-defined intermediate products are created.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• degradability
  noun

Etymology

Origin of degradable

First recorded in 1960–65; degrade + -able

Example Sentences

This research does more than make plastics degradable.

From Science Daily • Jan. 4, 2026

Mr Greer said these often say they are degradable, but this process takes about 500 years.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2022

Often, my consumer choices are based on whether the product is degradable over time, i.e., not plastic.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 15, 2020

Drawings on paper are degradable things, sensitive to light, humidity, dust.

From New York Times • Nov. 29, 2018

If any degradable compostable items remain intact — thick cornstalks or cabbage stems, perhaps — just toss them back onto the compost pile and give them another year.

From Washington Post • Nov. 29, 2016