Synonyms for

Degenerate

Verb / dɪˈdʒenɜ:ʌt / / dɪˈdʒenɜ:ˌeɪt / Another word for degenerate — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Degenerate means to become worse or less of a certain quality, or to decline morally.

Synonyms & similar words

deviate dissipated libertine recuperate drop dissolute fast pervert degraded deteriorate devolve profligate riotous deviant debauched deteriorate decline worsen decay debase corrupt deprave pervert debauch defile vitiate devalue weaken diminish dwindle atrophy regress backslide retrograde degenerate

Synonyms by register

Formal

deteriorate decay decline worsen

Informal

go bad fall apart get worse crumble

Literary

founder wane ebb

Antonyms

improve advance progress develop evolve ascend flourish

Common collocations

  • degenerate into chaos
  • degenerate condition
  • morally degenerate
  • degenerate art
  • degenerate state
  • degenerate further
  • degenerate rapidly

Word family

noun degeneration
verb degenerate
adjective degenerate

Usage note

Often used to describe a decline in moral standards, physical condition, or quality. Can be offensive when used to describe people, implying a lack of worth or character.

Example sentences

  1. The health of the plant will degenerate if it doesn't get enough sunlight.
  2. The city's infrastructure is degenerating due to lack of maintenance.
  3. The politician's reputation degenerated after he was caught lying.
  4. The moral standards of the community have degenerated over time.
  5. The quality of the product degenerated after the company started using cheaper materials.

Quotes

  • One cannot become a saint when he degenerates into a beast.
  • Man has gone long enough, or even too long, without being man enough to face the simple truth that the trouble with man is man.
  • The degeneration of a democratic republic into a monarchy is one of the most exciting dramas in human history.

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