to degrade
35
5.1
- verb
- /dɪˈɡreɪd/
- Specialized
:
degradarse
- All the existing anti-forensic techniques degrade the visual quality of the processed images.
- degraded wetlands
- degraded forests
- degraded soil
Examples
-
In the rush to industrialize, Bulgaria degraded its soil and natural vegetation.
Academic text (1995) -
As a result, ecological infrastructure has been dismantled and degraded at a rapid rate.
Academic text (2008) -
Our sample was degraded in the initial study.
-
To make matters worse, acid rain from both domestic and foreign sources degraded the country's forests.
Academic text (1995) -
Global population is growing, soils are being degraded, and water supplies are being depleted.
Academic text (2012) -
Since 1945, 17% of the planet's vegetated surface has been irreversibly degraded.
-
Its practical applications can be seen in several large farms around the world and on his own property where he was able to regenerate over 1,000 acres of degraded land.
-
This has led to unchecked seaweed growth, which threatens to degrade entire coral reefs.
-
Farmers and ranchers are cutting and burning trees, degrading watersheds, and allowing rivers and dams to silt up.
Academic text (1994) -
Over time, heavy rainfall and poor management practices caused the soil to degrade significantly.
Synonyms
146
5.9
To get worse in quality, condition, or value
37
4.4
To slowly fall into ruin because of age or neglect
34
6.3
To become worse and lose order or control
24
4.2
Gradually wear away rock and soil by water or wind
7
4.5
Slowly wears away rock and soil by wind or water
Worn away over time by wind, water or ice
To wear a surface down by rubbing
Antonyms
- Specialized
Raise the bottom of a river or stream by leaving sand and mud that build up
Phrasal Verbs
How Eroded
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Degrade comes from the parts de- 'down' and gradus 'step'. Think of land losing its 'steps' as rain and wind wear it away, so to degrade land is to lower its surface.