'Degraded' definitions:

Definition of 'degraded'

adjective

Unrestrained by convention or morality; "Congreve draws a debauched aristocratic society"; "deplorably dissipated and degraded"; "riotous living"; "fast women" [syn: debauched, degenerate, degraded, dissipated, dissolute, libertine, profligate, riotous, fast]

adjective

Lowered in value; "the dollar is low"; "a debased currency" [syn: debased, devalued, degraded]

From: GCIDE

Degraded \De*grad"ed\, a.
1. Reduced in rank, character, or reputation; debased; sunken; low; base. [1913 Webster]
The Netherlands . . . were reduced practically to a very degraded condition. --Motley. [1913 Webster]
2. (Biol.) Having the typical characters or organs in a partially developed condition, or lacking certain parts. [1913 Webster]
Some families of plants are degraded dicotyledons. --Dana. [1913 Webster]
3. [Cf. F. degr['e] step.] (Her.) Having steps; -- said of a cross each of whose extremities finishes in steps growing larger as they leave the center; -- termed also on degrees. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Degrade \De*grade"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Degraded; p. pr. & vb. n. Degrading.] [F. d['e]grader, LL. degradare, fr. L. de- + gradus step, degree. See Grade, and cf. Degree.]
1. To reduce from a higher to a lower rank or degree; to lower in rank; to deprive of office or dignity; to strip of honors; as, to degrade a nobleman, or a general officer. [1913 Webster]
Prynne was sentenced by the Star Chamber Court to be degraded from the bar. --Palfrey. [1913 Webster]
2. To reduce in estimation, character, or reputation; to lessen the value of; to lower the physical, moral, or intellectual character of; to debase; to bring shame or contempt upon; to disgrace; as, vice degrades a man. [1913 Webster]
O miserable mankind, to what fall Degraded, to what wretched state reserved! --Milton. [1913 Webster]
Yet time ennobles or degrades each line. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
Her pride . . . struggled hard against this degrading passion. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
3. (Geol.) To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.
Syn: To abase; demean; lower; reduce. See Abase. [1913 Webster]