defamation calumny libel slander denigration smear vilification aspersions scandalmongering traducement opprobrium blackening insult derogation detraction defaming disparagement aspersion rumor rumour calumniation maligning slur aspersing libeling backbiting libelling demotion abatement cut decline decrease decrement degradation descent deterioration devaluation diminishment diminution dip downfall downgrading downslide downturn drop fall lessening loss lowering reduction relegation tumble downgrade comedown abasement slump degeneration retrogression collapse lapse crash shrinkage atrophy depreciation devolution failing degeneracy decay ebb regression weakening plunge falloff decadence wane dive slip ebbing nosedive downtrend withering stumble backsliding depletion plummet worsening disintegration corrosion aggravation downtick decaying debasement sinking decomposition depression vitiation falling topple plummeting plunging