degraded

adjective

de·​grad·​ed di-ˈgrā-dəd How to pronounce degraded (audio)
dē-
1
: reduced far below ordinary standards of civilized life and conduct
2
: characterized by degeneration of structure or function
degradedly adverb

Examples of degraded in a Sentence

many observers deplored the fact that the city's festivities for Mardi Gras had become a degraded, drunken celebration
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Previous studies relied on a process known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which amplifies small or degraded fragments of DNA, allowing scientists to analyze genetic material even from old or damaged organic matter. New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025 For Capone, this high precedence of pinworm was incredibly surprising, given that the samples were over 1,000 years old and the DNA would have been highly degraded over such a long period of time. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025 Amazon’s own websites, Prime Video, and Alexa experienced degraded service. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025 The degraded image felt authentic, as if unearthed from the past. Robert Eggers, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for degraded

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of degraded was in 1643

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Cite this Entry

“Degraded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/degraded. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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