degrade
verb (used with object)
to lower in dignity or estimation; bring into contempt.
degrades
-
present tense formof degrade (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"This was before plastic was introduced into bank notes, it degrades," he said.
From BBC ● Feb. 21, 2026
If it degrades rapidly, that means insects are attracted to the plentiful organic matter.
From Salon ● Dec. 4, 2025
However, they are not without limitations: they are sensitive to external disturbances -- such as strong magnetic fields near a hard drive -- and their performance typically degrades over time.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 21, 2025
Lifespan: Heavy use degrades the coating in about a year, though judicious care can extend the pan’s life to, say, three years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 24, 2025
A punishment that degrades the punished will degrade the man who inflicts the punishment, and will degrade the government that procures the infliction.
From The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 11 (of 12) Dresden Edition?Miscellany by Robert Green Ingersoll
