Meaning & Definition of word "Degenerate"

Degenerate

/dɪˈdʒɛn.ə.reɪt/

1. A person who has declined in moral or mental qualities.
- Example: The authorities were concerned about the influence of degenerate artists on youth culture.
2. An organism or a part of an organism that has lost its original function or structure through evolution.
- Example: The cave fish has degenerate eyes due to its dark environment where vision is not necessary.

1. To decline or deteriorate physically, mentally, or morally.
- Example: Without proper care, his health began to degenerate rapidly.
2. To cause to decline or deteriorate.
- Example: Neglecting education can degenerate a society over time.

1. Having lost the physical, mental, or moral qualities considered normal and desirable, showing evidence of decline.
- Example: The once vibrant community had become degenerate over the years, plagued by crime and neglect.
2. Characterized by deterioration or decline, especially in quality or morality.
- Example: His degenerate behavior shocked his friends who had always seen him as a role model.

From Latin degenerare, meaning 'to be brought down (from a kind)'

degenerate into:

To evolve or change into a worse state.

degenerate behavior:

Actions considered immoral or lacking integrity.

degenerate art:

Art that is considered to have lost its values or standards.

degeneration:

The process of declining in quality or moral standards.

degenerate culture:

A culture perceived as losing accepted norms or values.

degenerate species:

A species that has deteriorated in structure or function.

Meaning: A derogatory term for someone perceived as morally corrupt.

Example Sentence: He’s just a degenerate, always getting into trouble.

Meaning: A term used to describe something that has declined drastically.

Example Sentence: That movie was such a degenerate piece of trash.