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Glite Dictionary
to degrade gracefully

to degrade gracefully

7.0
To become worse slowly in a calm, controlled way without sudden failure
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : degradarse con dignidad
  • This software helps websites degrade gracefully on older browsers without losing functionality.

Examples

  • Although the need for standard privacy and data-sharing policies is as yet unmet, and the structure of such backpacks may not yet be fully conceived, the good news, once again, is that the technology degrades gracefully.

    Blog text (8)

  • The application is designed to degrade gracefully when the network connection is weak.

  • Does the fancy JavaScript/Ajax interface degrade gracefully?

    Blog text (17)

  • Although it may not support all the latest features, it will degrade gracefully for users with outdated systems.

Synonyms

to deteriorate
vsto degrade gracefully
146 5.9

To get worse in quality, condition, or value

does so in a controlled, dignified way without sudden failure
to erode
vsto degrade gracefully
83 4.2

Gradually make someone's trust, belief, or support weaker over time

happens in a steady, managed way instead of slow wearing away
to go downhill
vsto degrade gracefully
  • Informal
37 3.9

To become worse over time in quality or condition

involves a controlled, composed worsening rather than casual decline
to degenerate
vsto degrade gracefully
34 6.3

To become worse and lose order or control

implies a managed, dignified decline rather than moral or severe decay
to devolve
vsto degrade gracefully
20 7.4

To become worse and more chaotic

does so with control and dignity rather than mere decline
to rot away
vsto degrade gracefully
16 4.2

To slowly become weaker or fall apart because it is not cared for

occurs in a controlled, non-ignoble fashion rather than neglectful decay
to depreciate
vsto degrade gracefully
  • Specialized
9 5.9

To lose value over time, especially money or assets

refers to a managed loss in state rather than financial value change
to turn to shit
vsto degrade gracefully
  • Offensive
9 9.9

To go very badly and fail completely

means to decline in a calm, controlled, and dignified manner instead
to dilapidate
vsto degrade gracefully
1 8.4

To fall into ruin or cause something to fall into ruin because it is not cared for

describes a controlled, dignified deterioration, not ruin by neglect

Antonyms

to thrive
241 3.2

To grow well and be successful

to prosper
88 3.7

To become successful or grow well, often by making money

How Graceful

to maintain
123 3.4
to degrade gracefully
7.0
to go down
187 3.4
to crash
  • Specialized
156 3.2

Surface Forms

degrade gracefully infinitive
degraded gracefully past
degraded gracefully past participle
degrading gracefully present participle
degrades gracefully third person singular

Morphology

degrade + gracefully

The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'degrade' (to deteriorate or decline) modified by 'gracefully' (in an elegant or controlled manner), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer 'deteriorate in a controlled/dignified way.' This pattern (verb + adverb) is a standard, transparent compositional structure found across languages and contexts, so it should be understandable to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Degrade gracefully gives a simple image: think of something that degrades slowly and gracefully, like a lamp that slowly dims rather than suddenly going out. So it means 'to deteriorate in a controlled or dignified way'.