Which word describes something that has been ruined in character or quality?

Prepare for the GRE Basic Exam. Enhance your vocabulary with flashcards and challenging multiple-choice questions. Each query comes with hints and explanations. Elevate your lexicon and ace the exam!

The word "debased" accurately describes something that has been ruined in character or quality. When something is described as debased, it implies that its original value, quality, or integrity has been lowered or degraded, often through corruption or misuse. This term is frequently used in contexts involving moral, social, or economic degradation, suggesting a significant decline from a previous, more favorable state.

In contrast, "debauchery" refers to excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures and is more about behavior than a deterioration of character or quality itself. "Dissolution" can describe a process of breaking down or disintegration, often related to organizations or formal agreements rather than character. "Dynamo," typically denotes a generator or someone energetic, and does not pertain to the degradation of quality or character at all. Therefore, "debased" is the best fit for describing something that has been ruined in terms of its character or quality.

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