degenerate
//dɪˈdʒɛnəˌreɪt//
Verb
degenerateInfinitive
degeneratePresent tense
degeneratedPast tense
degeneratedPast participle
degeneratingPresent participle
degeneratesThird-person singular
1
To decline or deteriorate physically, mentally, or morally from a former or original state.
Without proper care, the historic building began to degenerate into ruins.
2
To fall below a normal or desirable level in physical, mental, or moral qualities.
Without proper care, his health began to degenerate rapidly.
Synonym
Antonym
Adjective
degenerateCanonical form
1
Having declined or become debased in nature, character, or quality.
The once noble family had become degenerate over the generations.
2
Lacking some property, order, or distinctness of structure previously or usually present.
The triangle becomes degenerate when all three points lie on the same line.
Noun
1
A person who has declined morally or has low moral standards.
The neighbors considered him a degenerate because of his reckless lifestyle.