degradable

IPA/dɪˈɡreɪdəbl/
KK[dɪɡrˈedəbəl]IPA/dɪˈɡreɪdəbl/

degradable — adjective

  • degradablepositive
  • more degradablecomparative
  • most degradablesuperlative

1. able to turn into simpler substances through chemical change over time, often af

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

able to turn into simpler substances through chemical change over time, often after being left in nature or in waste treatment conditions.

Example

The company switched to degradable food trays for the school canteen.

degradable + packaging noun

This packing foam is degradable, so it will not stay in the field for years.

predicative: be degradable

Common collocations
  • degradable plastic
  • degradable film
  • degradable packaging
  • degradable tray
  • chemically degradable
Synonyms
  • biodegradable

    narrower; specifically suggests breakdown by living organisms

  • compostable

    stricter; usually means the material can break down in composting conditions

  • decomposable

    more technical and less common in everyday product language

Antonyms
  • non-degradable

    direct opposite; not able to break down in the relevant conditions

  • persistent

    used especially for substances that remain in the environment for a long time

Grammar Patterns

degradable + noun

be degradable in soil

fully / readily degradable

Usage Note

Most often describes materials, packaging, or farm products in environmental or technical contexts. Unlike biodegradable, it does not always say that living organisms are the thing causing the breakdown.

Common Mistakes

This bag degradable after six months.
This bag is degradable after six months.
degradable is an adjective, so it needs a linking verb such as 'is'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

'Degradable' is the broadest of these words. It simply says that a material can break down into simpler substances over time. 'Biodegradable' is narrower because it usually points to breakdown caused by bacteria or other living organisms. 'Compostable' is stricter still: it suggests the material can break down under composting conditions and is often used on food packaging. 'Decomposable' is close in meaning to 'degradable', but it sounds more technical and is less common on everyday labels. A company might advertise degradable film for farm use, biodegradable soap wrappers for general waste reduction, and compostable cups for industrial compost bins.

degradable ↗biodegradable ↗compostable ↗decomposable ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • fully degradable
  • readily degradable
  • slowly degradable

Phrases

  • be degradable over time
  • remain degradable in compost
  • test whether a material is degradable

Prepositions

  • degradable in soil
  • degradable under sunlight

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Built from the verb 'degrade' and the adjective ending '-able'. 'Degrade' came into English through French from Latin roots linked to the idea of stepping down in rank. In modern scientific and environmental use, the verb developed the sense of breaking down or becoming damaged, and 'degradable' means able to undergo that kind of breakdown.