'degradative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'degradare,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'gradus' meant 'step.'

'degradare' transformed into the French word 'dégrader,' and eventually became the modern English word 'degrade,' from which 'degradative' is derived.

Initially, it meant 'to step down or reduce in rank,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'causing degradation.'