degenerate

[dih-jen-uh-reyt, dih-jen-er-it] / dɪˈdʒɛn əˌreɪt, dɪˈdʒɛn ər ɪt /

ADJECTIVE

corrupt, deteriorated

Synonyms

STRONG

base debased debauched decadent decayed degenerated degraded demeaned depraved failing fallen low mean miscreant perverted retrograde sinking vitiated worsen

WEAK

dissolute effete flatitious immoral infamous nefarious overripe retrogressive rotten unhealthy vicious villainous wicked

Antonyms

STRONG

clean good healthy honest honorable kind moral nice noble pure strong uncorrupt upright virtuous well

VERB

decay, deteriorate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

descend disintegrate lapse lessen regress revert worsen

STRONG

backslide corrode corrupt decline decrease deprave retrogress return rot sink slip vitiate

WEAK

come apart at seams die on vine disimprove fall off go downhill go to pieces go to the dogs

Antonyms

STRONGEST

develop grow increase progress

STRONG

aid build help improve rise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I’m kind of glad that I’m not so much of a degenerate anymore.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

If too many degenerate gamblers are betting on bitcoin going up, the perpetual price rises above spot.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 27, 2025

His screen persona has often been the sleaziest of weasels, the connoisseur’s moral degenerate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

It’s been a huge month for all the degenerate gamblers hoping to cash in on the United States’ elections.

From Slate • Sep. 20, 2024

Why, then, did they degenerate outside cells, like fog slipping through fingers?

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee