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degrade
[ dih-greyd or, for 3, dee-greyd ]
/ dɪˈgreɪd or, for 3, diˈgreɪd /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object), de·grad·ed, de·grad·ing.
verb (used without object), de·grad·ed, de·grad·ing.
to become degraded; weaken or worsen; deteriorate.
Chemistry. (especially of an organic hydrocarbon compound) to break down or decompose.
OTHER WORDS FOR degrade
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Origin of degrade
synonym study for degrade
1. See humble.
OTHER WORDS FROM degrade
de·grad·er, nounWords nearby degrade
deglutition, degorger, degradable, degradation, degradation of energy, degrade, degraded, degrading, degranulation, de gratia, degrease
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use degrade in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for degrade
degrade
/ (dɪˈɡreɪd) /
verb
(tr) to reduce in worth, character, etc; disgrace; dishonour
(diːˈɡreɪd) (tr) to reduce in rank, status, or degree; remove from office; demote
(tr) to reduce in strength, quality, intensity, etc
to reduce or be reduced by erosion or down-cutting, as a land surface or bed of a riverCompare aggrade
chem to decompose or be decomposed into atoms or smaller molecules
Derived forms of degrade
degrader, nounWord Origin for degrade
C14: from Late Latin dēgradāre, from Latin de- + gradus rank, degree
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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