Degenerate

Degenerate describes a decline or deterioration, especially in physical or moral qualities. It signifies a falling off from a former state of excellence or worth. It can also describe something that has undergone a harmful change, becoming corrupted, or less desirable, often implying a loss of values, standards, or vitality. This word can apply to individuals, groups, societies, or even abstract concepts.

Degenerate meaning with examples

• The once-vibrant city center began to Degenerate as businesses closed and crime rates rose, leading to a general sense of decay and despair within the community.
• He argued that the novel's graphic content was a sign of the culture's moral degeneration, believing it promoted harmful behaviors and weakened societal values.
• Years of neglect and poor maintenance caused the old building to Degenerate into a dilapidated and unsafe structure, endangering its inhabitants and visitors.
• The politician's actions led to a degeneration of public trust, as scandals and dishonesty eroded the faith of the electorate in their leaders.
• Left unchecked, a computer program's data can Degenerate over time, leading to corrupted files and system errors, hindering performance.