Degenerate

/dɪˈdʒɛn.ə.reɪt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who has declined in moral or mental qualities.

The authorities were concerned about the influence of degenerate artists on youth culture.

An organism or a part of an organism that has lost its original function or structure through evolution.

The cave fish has degenerate eyes due to its dark environment where vision is not necessary.

verb

To decline or deteriorate physically, mentally, or morally.

Without proper care, his health began to degenerate rapidly.

To cause to decline or deteriorate.

Neglecting education can degenerate a society over time.

adjective

Having lost the physical, mental, or moral qualities considered normal and desirable, showing evidence of decline.

The once vibrant community had become degenerate over the years, plagued by crime and neglect.

Characterized by deterioration or decline, especially in quality or morality.

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.

A derogatory term for someone perceived as morally corrupt.

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

A term used to describe something that has declined drastically.

That movie was such a degenerate piece of trash.