French Conversation · Level 87
60 words
French word
dégradation
Pronunciation
IPA/degʁadasjɔ̃/
Meaning
- feminine noundeterioration
Example
La dégradation du bâtiment est visible.
The deterioration of the building is visible.
More examples
La dégradation de l'environnement affecte la santé locale.
Environmental degradation affects local health.
Core concept
A structure or device showing the visible effects of gradual wear.
Common phrases
dégradation de l'environnement
degradation of the environment
dégradation de la qualité
degradation of quality
dégradation des infrastructures
degradation of infrastructure
Similar words
détérioration: A worsening in condition or quality that harms function or appearance.
usure: Wear from prolonged use that gradually reduces performance.
altération: A change in material or properties that impairs the original quality or effect.
Definition in French
Perte de performance ou de fonctionnement d'un appareil, d'un matériau ou d'un système, souvent progressive et liée à l'usure.
Word origin
French dégradation preserves the idea of a step-by-step lowering found in Latin degradare, built from de- and gradus, "step."
Usage tips
- For a device, dégradation sounds more technical or formal than everyday phrases such as ça ne marche plus bien.
Other meanings
- damagenoun
Opposites
- améliorationimprovementnoun
- embellissementbeautificationnoun
Related words
- dégraderdegradeverb
- dégradédegradedadjective