degrading

[ dih-grey-ding ]

adjective

1. that degrades; debasing; humiliating:

   degrading submission.

degrading

/ dɪˈɡreɪdɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing humiliation; debasing

Derived Forms

• deˈgradingness, noun
• deˈgradingly, adverb

Other Words From

• de·grading·ly adverb
• de·grading·ness noun
• nonde·grading adjective
• unde·grading adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of degrading¹

First recorded in 1675–85; degrade + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The landmark verdict reportedly marks the first time a civilian contractor has been held legally responsible for the degrading treatment of detainees at Abu Ghraib.

From BBC

Amelia Walker, representing the man’s family in court, said the restraints imposed on him were "inevitably humiliating and degrading, as well as dangerous".

From BBC

Our correspondent, who has been paralysed since being shot by al-Qaeda gunmen in Saudi Arabia 20 years ago, described his ordeal as both physically deeply uncomfortable and degrading.

From BBC

Trump had poor judgment and impulse control even before his mind appeared to be degrading and decompensating.

From Salon

That judgment doesn't come from me; it’s what people closest to him have said for decades, from the journalist who first warned us about Trump to the ghostwriter who regrets working on “The Art of the Deal” to the people who worked most closely him during his four years degrading the presidency, shredding political norms and tearing our country apart.

From Salon

Related Words

• demeaning
• derogatory
• disgraceful
• humiliating