Definitions

degenerative

[dih-jen-er-uh-tiv, -uh-rey-tiv] / dɪˈdʒɛn ər ə tɪv, -əˌreɪ tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

tending to diminish in quality

Synonyms

STRONGEST

backward deteriorating regressive retrogressive

STRONG

declinatory depressive dwindling frittering

WEAK

deleterious

Antonyms

STRONGEST

improving progressive

WEAK

expanding growing

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.

Degenerative arthritis is no longer exclusive to the elderly population.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2024

Degenerative diseases are “akin to an act of betrayal against the beauty of one’s accumulated life experiences,” Lee writes in her artist’s statement.

From Scientific American • Aug. 12, 2021

Degenerative and incurable, it is democratic in its reach.

From New York Times • Apr. 30, 2016

Almost immediately the inhabitants display symptoms of the "Degenerative Disease," a bellicose assertion of ego against the grain of the common good.

From Time Magazine Archive

Degenerative changes may produce areas of softening or liquefaction which result in the formation of cystic cavities in the interior of the tumour.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis