Degradation
Part of speech: noun
Definition: The act of reducing in rank, character, or reputation, or of abasing; a lowering from one's standing or rank in office or society; diminution; as, the degradation of a peer, a knight, a general, or a bishop. The state of being reduced in rank, character, or reputation; baseness; moral, physical, or intellectual degeneracy; disgrace; abasement; debasement. Diminution or reduction of strength, efficacy, or value; degeneration; deterioration. A gradual wearing down or wasting, as of rocks and banks, by the action of water, frost etc. A deleterious change in the chemical structure, physical properties or appearance of a material from natural or artificial exposure. The state or condition of a species or group which exhibits degraded forms; degeneration. Arrest of development, or degeneration of any organ, or of the body as a whole. The gradual breakdown of components of a material, as a result of a natural element, i.e.: heat, cold and wind.
Example sentence: Ours is one continued struggle against degradation sought to be inflicted upon us by the European, who desire to degrade us to the level of the raw Kaffir, whose occupation is hunting and whose sole ambition is to collect a certain number of cattle to buy a wife with, and then pass his life in indolence and nakedness.
Debasement
Part of speech: noun
Definition: The act of debasing or the state of being debased; a lowering, especially in character or quality.