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Definitions

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

That it no longer seems to be leaves us all morally degenerate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 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

“I wasn’t surprised to hear the news—he had a degenerate nature. I don’t know if the current master of Randall will pay your reward. I don’t rightly care.”

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead