degrade
verb (used with object)
to lower in dignity or estimation; bring into contempt.
had been degrading
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past perfect progressiveof degrade.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
She said women deserved access to single-sex spaces "without fear or intimidation" and the trust's policy had been "degrading" and "dangerous".
From BBC ● Jan. 16, 2026
The study showed that microbes in areas around the ship had been degrading oil that had leaked from the vessel, decades after it sank.
From New York Times ● Oct. 22, 2022
