Need another word for Degenerate? Use these synonyms of Degenerate from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
deteriorate
decline
degenerate
worsen
decay
crumble
disintegrate
break down
collapse
slump
deteriorate
sink
plunge
plummet
decline
slump
drop
fall
deteriorate
decay
rot
putrefy
spoil
corrupt
pervert
debilitate
enfeeble
weaken
impair
damage
harm
injure
mar
spoil
taint
pollute
contaminate
defile
debase
demoralize
deprave
vitiate
Meaning of Degenerate
According to Merriam-Webster, "degenerate" means to become worse or lessened in quality, to become inferior or more primitive, or to sink into a lower or more depraved state.
Definitions
- The Oxford English Dictionary defines "degenerate" as to become or make something worse or less good, to decline or deteriorate in quality, or to become morally corrupt or depraved.
- The Cambridge Dictionary defines "degenerate" as to become worse or less good, to decline or deteriorate, or to become morally corrupt or depraved.
Example Uses
- The city's infrastructure has degenerated over the years due to lack of maintenance and funding.
- The once-thriving company degenerated into bankruptcy after a series of poor management decisions.
- The athlete's performance degenerated after a serious injury, and they were never able to recover their previous level of skill.
- The degenerate behavior of the corrupt politician was widely criticized by the public and the media.
- The environment has degenerated significantly due to pollution and climate change, causing many species to become endangered.