Pollution vs. Degradation — What's the Difference?

Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat, or light.

The act or process of degrading.

The act or process of polluting or the state of being polluted, especially the contamination of soil, water, or the atmosphere by the discharge of harmful substances.

The state of being degraded; degeneration.

Something that pollutes; a pollutant or a group of pollutants

A decline to a lower condition, quality, or level.

Physical contamination, now especially the contamination of the environment by harmful substances, or by disruptive levels of noise, light etc.

(Geology) A general lowering of the earth's surface by erosion or weathering.

Something that pollutes; a pollutant.

(Chemistry) Decomposition of a compound, especially complex substances such as polymers and proteins, by stages, exhibiting well-defined intermediate products.

The desecration of something holy or sacred; defilement, profanation.

The act of reducing in rank, character, or reputation, or of abasing; a lowering from one's standing or rank in office or society

The ejaculation of semen outside of sexual intercourse, especially a nocturnal emission.

The state of being reduced in rank, character, or reputation; baseness; moral, physical, or intellectual degeneracy; disgrace; abasement; debasement.

Moral or spiritual corruption; impurity, degradation, defilement.

Diminution or reduction of strength, efficacy, or value; degeneration; deterioration.

The act of polluting, or the state of being polluted (in any sense of the verb); defilement; uncleanness; impurity.

(geology) A gradual wearing down or wasting, as of rocks and banks, by the action of water, frost etc.

The emission of semen, or sperm, at other times than in sexual intercourse.

A deleterious change in the chemical structure, physical properties or appearance of a material from natural or artificial exposure.

Undesirable state of the natural environment being contaminated with harmful substances as a consequence of human activities

The state or condition of a species or group which exhibits degraded forms; degeneration.

The state of being polluted

Arrest of development, or degeneration of any organ, or of the body as a whole.

The act of contaminating or polluting; including (either intentionally or accidentally) unwanted substances or factors

The gradual breakdown of components of a material, as a result of a natural element, i.e.: heat, cold and wind.

The act of reducing in rank, character, or reputation, or of abasing; a lowering from one's standing or rank in office or society; diminution; as, the degradation of a peer, a knight, a general, or a bishop.

The state of being reduced in rank, character, or reputation; baseness; moral, physical, or intellectual degeneracy; disgrace; abasement; debasement.

Diminution or reduction of strength, efficacy, or value; degeneration; deterioration.

A gradual wearing down or wasting, as of rocks and banks, by the action of water, frost etc.

The state or condition of a species or group which exhibits degraded forms; degeneration.

Arrest of development, or degeneration of any organ, or of the body as a whole.

Changing to a lower state (a less respected state)

A low or downcast state;