Basic Details
Word: Degradation
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The process of something becoming worse or declining in quality.
Synonyms: Deterioration, decline, degeneration
Antonyms: Improvement, enhancement, advancement
Idioms and Phrases
- Degradation of standards: When the quality of something is reduced. Example: "The degradation of standards in the school led to a drop in student performance."
- Environmental degradation: Refers to the damage of the environment through depletion of resources. Example: "The factory's waste was causing severe environmental degradation."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The degradation of the forest ecosystem has raised concerns among environmentalists.
Example 2: Rapid urban development can lead to the degradation of natural habitats.
Example 3: The scientists studied the degradation of plastic in the ocean over many years.
Fun Fact
The term "degradation" comes from the Latin word "degradatio," meaning "to step down" or "to lower." It indicates a decline or stepping down from a higher state to a lower one.
Famous Quote
"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." Native American Proverb
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "degradation" mean?
a) A type of bird
b) The process of something becoming worse
c) A kind of flower
d) A celebration
Answer: b) The process of something becoming worse
2. Which of these is a synonym of "degradation"?
a) Improvement
b) Deterioration
c) Achievement
d) Construction
Answer: b) Deterioration
3. Which sentence uses "degradation" correctly?
a) The degradation of the book made it even more interesting.
b) The degradation in the environment is a serious issue.
c) His degradation to the top of the mountain was quick.
d) The degradation turned out to be a wonderful experience.
Answer: b) The degradation in the environment is a serious issue.
4. Which idiom refers to lowering quality?
a) Setting the standard
b) Degradation of standards
c) Raising the bar
d) To go above and beyond
Answer: b) Degradation of standards
5. What is the opposite of "degradation"?
a) Deterioration
b) Decline
c) Improvement
d) Change
Answer: c) Improvement
