Synonyms for

Degrading

Adjective / dɪˈgreɪdɪŋ / Another word for degrading — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The word 'degrading' means to cause someone to lose their dignity and the respect of others.

Synonyms & similar words

debasing aggrade degrade disgrace demean corrupting cheapen humiliating shameful disrespectful dishonorable belittling insulting embarrassing demeaning disparaging depreciatory derogatory discrediting debasing devaluing downgrading cheapening lowering diminishing undermining damaging

Synonyms by register

Formal

demeaning humiliating disparaging belittling

Informal

lousy crappy awful terrible

Literary

abase ignominious

Antonyms

uplifting honorable ennobling exalting elevating dignifying

Common collocations

  • degrading treatment
  • degrading conditions
  • degrading remarks
  • degrading experience
  • degrading behavior
  • degrading poverty

Word family

noun degradation
verb degrade
adjective degrading
adverb degradingly

Usage note

Primarily used to describe actions or conditions that cause a loss of dignity or respect. It carries a strong negative connotation.

Compare "degrading" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. She felt degraded by his comments about her appearance.
  2. The bully's behavior was degrading to his victims.
  3. He was fired for degrading his co-workers in front of others.
  4. She refused to tolerate any behavior that was degrading to her students.
  5. The way he treated his wife was degrading and abusive.

Quotes

  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. -Nelson Mandela
  • You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. -Wayne Gretzky
  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. -Thomas Edison

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words