degradación
“degradación” means “degradation” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
degradation, deterioration
Also: breakdown
📝 In Action
La degradación del suelo afecta a los agricultores de la región.
B2Soil degradation affects the farmers in the region.
Debemos detener la degradación del medio ambiente.
B2We must stop the degradation of the environment.
El plástico tarda siglos en completar su degradación.
C1Plastic takes centuries to complete its breakdown.
demotion, humiliation
Also: debasement
📝 In Action
El oficial sufrió una degradación tras el juicio militar.
C1The officer suffered a demotion after the military trial.
Muchos ven los reality shows como una degradación de la cultura.
C2Many see reality shows as a debasement of culture.
Fue una degradación pública que nunca pudo olvidar.
C1It was a public humiliation that he could never forget.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "degradación" in Spanish:
degradation→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: degradación
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence refers to an environmental issue?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'degradatio', which combines 'de-' (down) and 'gradus' (step or rank). It literally means to take a step down or to lower someone's rank.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'degradación' only used for bad things?
Yes, generally. It almost always describes a process of something getting worse, breaking down, or losing value or honor.
How do you say 'biodegradable' in Spanish?
It is exactly the same: 'biodegradable'. It belongs to the same word family as 'degradación'.
Can I use 'degradación' for a color gradient?
Close! For a color gradient or fading, we usually use the word 'degradado'. For example, 'un efecto degradado' (a gradient effect).