degradation
deg.ra.da.tion \.deg-r*-'da--sh*n\ n 1: the act or process of degrading : as 1a: reduction to a lower rank or level 1b: deposition from office 1c: reduction in standing, worth, or serviceability 2a: decline to a low, destitute, or demoralized state : DETERIORATION)M 2b: moral or intellectual decadence : DEGENERATION