degraded
UK[dɪˈɡreɪdɪd]US[dɪˈɡreɪdɪd]
adj
having lost one's former status, quality, or moral standing; reduced in rank, character, or quality.
adj
(of a substance) having been broken down or simplified, especially in a chemical or biological process.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
grad
ed
de
down, away
grad
step, rank
ed
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'degraded' is built upon the latin foundation of 'gradus', meaning a step or rank, which itself can be traced to the proto-indo-european root ghredh-, indicating a step or stride. the prefix 'de-' signifies a downward or reversing motion. therefore, the literal sense is 'stepped down' or 'reduced in rank'. this concrete meaning evolved into the modern abstract senses of being lowered in moral character, social status, or physical quality. the suffix '-ed' adapts the past participle into an adjective, describing the state resulting from the action of degradation.
Analysis
Structure: de (down, away) + grad (step, rank) + ed (adjective suffix)
de- (latin prefix, meaning 'down, away, off'); grad (latin root from 'gradus', meaning 'step, degree, rank'); -ed (english suffix, forming participial adjectives).
Examples
the former official lived a degraded life after being stripped of his titles.
the degraded soil could no longer support healthy crops.
the image quality was too degraded to identify any details.