debasements
Acts of cheapening
Debasements are acts of lowering something in quality, value, dignity, or character.
The term often appears in discussions of currency, where debasement historically meant reducing the precious metal content in coins while maintaining their face value.
More broadly, it describes any corruption or degradation of standards: The debasements of political discourse have made reasoned debate nearly impossible.
Critics pointed to the debasements of traditional craftsmanship in mass production.
Lowering of currency worth
- depreciationAsset value reduction over time
- inflationSustained price level increase
- counterfeitingMaking fake money
- clippingPiece cut out
dilution · adulteration · cheapening · devaluing · deflation · alloying · sweating · shaving
Painful awareness of failure
- dishonorLoss of respect
- ignominyState of dishonor
- infamyExtreme public disgrace
- disreputeDamaged public standing
stigma · scandal · tarnish · blemish · discredit · reproach · odium · contempt
Decrease or refuse
- deteriorationProcess of declining quality
- erosionGradual wearing away
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- degenerationProgressive loss of function
worsening · atrophy · dilapidation · disrepair · ruination · impairment · collapse · crumbling
Corrupt payment for influence
- graftIllicit political gain
- venalityOpenness to bribes
- embezzlementFraudulent taking of entrusted assets
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
extortion · kickbacks · cronyism · nepotism · malfeasance · profiteering · racketeering · collusion
devaluation
Lowering of currency worth
- depreciationAsset value reduction over time
- inflationSustained price level increase
- counterfeitingMaking fake money
clipping · dilution · adulteration · cheapening · devaluing · deflation · alloying · sweating · shaving
shame
Painful awareness of failure
disrepute · stigma · scandal · tarnish · blemish · discredit · reproach · odium · contempt · opprobrium
decline
Decrease or refuse
- deteriorationProcess of declining quality
- erosionGradual wearing away
- decayGradual organic breakdown
degeneration · worsening · atrophy · dilapidation · disrepair · ruination · impairment · collapse · crumbling · rot
bribery
Corrupt payment for influence
- graftIllicit political gain
- venalityOpenness to bribes
- embezzlementFraudulent taking of entrusted assets
fraud · extortion · kickbacks · cronyism · nepotism · malfeasance · profiteering · racketeering · collusion · sleaze
debasementselevations
Heights above reference point
improvements · enhancements · upgrades · refinements · enrichments
debasementsexaltations
States of extreme elation
glorifications · elevations · honors · sanctifications · redemptions
debasementspurifications
Removal of contaminants
refinements · sanctifications · cleansings · restorations · rehabilitations
- currency debasementReducing money's intrinsic worth