degradation

noun8

1. •
   Diminution or reduction of strength, efficacy, or value; degeneration; deterioration.
2. •
   A gradual wearing down or wasting, as of rocks and banks, by the action of water, frost etc.

   • Overexploitation of land for fuelwood is a further cause of soil degradation in Africa, Asia and South America — 2017
3. •
   A deleterious change in the chemical structure, physical properties or appearance of a material from natural or artificial exposure.
4. •
   The gradual breakdown of components of a material, as a result of a natural element, i.e.: heat, cold and wind.
5. •
   The act of reducing in rank, character, or reputation, or of abasing; a lowering from one's standing or rank in office or society
6. •
   The state of being reduced in rank, character, or reputation; baseness; moral, physical, or intellectual degeneracy; disgrace; abasement; debasement.

   • There will be no poverty. All work will be done by living machines. Everybody will be free from worry and liberated from the degradation of labor. Everybody will live only to perfect himself. — 1921
7. •
   The state or condition of a species or group which exhibits degraded forms; degeneration.
8. •
   Arrest of development, or degeneration of any organ, or of the body as a whole.