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.

Rising sea levels and surging tides from increasingly powerful storms -- resulting in an increase in soil salinity -- have degraded agricultural lands, pushing people into tiger territory.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

It’s true we have degraded Iran’s missile and wider conventional capabilities, but it’s unclear by how much or how much it matters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

But activities such as grazing and development have degraded so much habitat that the threatened species now occupies only 12% of its historical range, according to a 2023 survey by the U.S.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2025

The initial work will restore rock reinforcements, known as riprap, along the tracks that have degraded due to wave damage and beach erosion, the agency said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2025

They have degraded the invisible arts into the obvious arts, and the one thing not worth looking at is the obvious. 

From Intentions by Wilde, Oscar