nondegradable

American  

[non-di-grey-duh-buhl] / ˌnɒn dɪˈgreɪ də bəl /

adjective

1. not subject to or capable of degradation or decomposition.

   nondegradable waste.

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noun

1. something that is not degradable, as a chemical compound.

Other Word Forms

• nondegradability noun

Etymology

Origin of nondegradable

non- + degrade + -able

Example Sentences

They are virtually nondegradable and accumulate in humans and the environment.

From Scientific American • Jan. 31, 2022

Examinations of the dead animals showed they had swallowed large amounts of nondegradable plastic that is found in the garbage dump, wildlife veterinarian Nihal Pushpakumara said.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 13, 2022

Because DDT was virtually nondegradable, it was transferred through the food chain.

From Washington Post • Nov. 27, 2019

Vermont voted to ban nondegradable six-pack rings in 1976.

From Slate • Jul. 11, 2018

But biomining has its limitations, too, notably that it deals only with organic garbage, leaving behind nondegradable substances like glass and plastic.

From New York Times • Apr. 22, 2010