degradation

1. N-VAR You use degradation to refer to a situation, condition, or experience which you consider shameful and disgusting, especially one which involves poverty or immorality. 堕落[表不满]

They were sickened by the scenes of misery and degradation they found. 他们对所看到的凄惨和堕落景象感到恶心。

2. N-UNCOUNT Degradation is the process of something becoming worse or weaker, or being made worse or weaker. 恶化; 衰退

...air pollution, traffic congestion, and the steady degradation of our quality of life. …空气污染、交通阻塞以及我们生活质量的持续恶化。