degraded

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Explanation of the Word "Degraded"

Definition: "Degraded" is an adjective that means something has been lowered in quality, value, or dignity. When something is degraded, it is not as good or respected as it once was.

Usage Instructions:

• "Degraded" is often used to describe a situation, environment, or moral standards that have declined.
• It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Example:

• Simple Sentence: "The park was once beautiful, but it has become degraded due to litter and neglect."
• Advanced Sentence: "The constant pollution has degraded the water quality, making it unsafe for swimming."

Advanced Usage:

In more sophisticated discussions, "degraded" can refer to moral or ethical decline. For example, "The film explores how the characters live in a degraded society, where traditional values are ignored."

Word Variants:

• Degrade (verb): To lower in dignity or quality.
  • Example: "The constant criticism degraded her confidence."
• Degradation (noun): The process of degrading.
  • Example: "Environmental degradation is a serious issue that affects wildlife."
• Degradative (adjective): Related to the process of degrading.
  • Example: "Degradative processes in soil can lead to loss of nutrients."

Different Meanings:

1. Physical Decline: Referring to something that has physically deteriorated.
   • Example: "The old building was degraded over time due to weather."
2. Moral or Ethical Decline: Referring to loss of moral values or standards.
   • Example: "In the story, the main character experiences a degraded sense of morality."

Synonyms:

• Deteriorated
• Debased
• Corrupted
• Devalued
• Diminished

Idioms:

• "Hit rock bottom": This phrase means to reach the lowest point, often referring to moral or social degradation.
  • Example: "After losing his job and friends, he felt he had hit rock bottom."

Phrasal Verbs:

• "Break down": While not a direct synonym, it can be used in contexts where something is falling apart or degrading.
  • Example: "The relationship broke down over time, leading to their separation."

Summary:

"Degraded" describes a decline in quality or value, whether it’s physical, social, or moral. It can be used in various contexts to discuss the deterioration of environments, relationships, or ethical standards.

Academic

Adjective

1. lowered in value
   • the dollar is low
   • a debased currency
2. unrestrained by convention or morality
   • Congreve draws a debauched aristocratic society
   • deplorably dissipated and degraded
   • riotous living
   • fast women

Synonyms

• debased
• devalued
• debauched
• degenerate
• dissipated
• dissolute
• libertine
• profligate
• riotous
• fast