Degradation is an ugly word. Nobody wants to experience a sense of debasement or humiliation. But, regrettably, we live in a world where we encounter degrading situations frequently. So how can we describe those who degrade and mock others without sounding as insulting as they do? Some synonyms for the word "degrader" are belittler, deprecator, dishonor, disparager, humbler, and insult-jester. These terms don't soften the blow of the insult but may be more professional and less vulgar in a context such as a workplace. They denote a person who undermines someone's sense of value or humiliates them on purpose. People who commonly degrade others may suffer from their fair share of insecurity and low self-esteem.