Degraded, a.
1. Reduced in rank, character, or reputation; debased; sunken; low; base. The Netherlands . . . were reduced practically to a very degraded condition. Motley.
2. (Biol.)
Having the typical characters or organs in a partially developed condition, or lacking certain parts. Some families of plants are degraded dicotyledons. Dana.
3. Etym: [Cf. F. degré step.] (Her.)
1 more senses
Having steps; -- said of a cross each of whose extremities finishes in steps growing larger as they leave the center; -- termed also on degrees.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists degraded only as an antonym, under high.
Where he writes about it:
An officer is degraded by being reduced to the ranks, disgraced by cowardice; vile practises degrade; drunkenness is a degrading vice. — from abase
Synonyms
none given