1. to make conditions worse or lower in quality, value, or rank
The lack of maintenance will degrade the conditions of the building.
A falta de manutenção degradará as condições do edifício.
2. to reduce or diminish the standard or quality of living or working circumstances
Economic policies that degrade the conditions for workers are harmful.
Políticas econômicas que degradam as condições dos trabalhadores são prejudiciais.