noun

• The act of reducing in rank, character, or reputation, or of abasing; a lowering from one's standing or rank in office or society
• 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.
• (geology) 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.