degradation

Definition

The act of reducing in rank, character, or reputation, or of abasing; a lowering from one's standing or rank in office or society

Etymology

From French dégradation. Morphologically degrade + -ation.

Example Sentences

• "This feature of good organization, the conferring of definite local superior rank, and the protection of the incumbent from unnecessary degradation, was discovered centuries ago by another effective institution, the Catholic church."
• "There will be no poverty. All work will be done by living machines. Everybody will be free from worry and liberated from the degradation of labor. Everybody will live only to perfect himself."
• "Money is the great breaker-up of love and friendship; and this is, I believe, the reason of the common saying, that "large families get on best in the world," because they can receive from each other assistance without degradation."

Related Words