Debasement (noun)

1. The act of reducing the value or quality of something; depreciation.
2. The act of degrading or tarnishing the character or quality of something.
3. The lowering in value or quality of currency by increasing the amount of its circulating medium without corresponding increase in value of the metal used as the standard.

Origin:

Late middle english: from old french debasement, from debaser 'to lower, debase', from de- (expressing reversal) + bas 'low'.

Examples:

1. The debasement of the currency led to inflation.
2. The debasement of the city's landmark buildings was a real tragedy.
3. The company's reputation suffered from the debasement of its products.
4. His behavior was an act of self-debasement.
5. The debasement of the metal made the coins worth less.