Degenerates

To decline or worsen, to fall below a normal or desirable level in physical, mental, or moral qualities; to deteriorate or decay. It can also describe a decline in a specific skill or function, becoming less specialized or complex. It can also be used as a noun to describe a person or thing showing a decline, especially in physical, mental, or moral qualities. Often implies a loss of former standards, vitality, or value, pointing to a downward spiral or regression, whether literal or metaphorical.

Degenerates meaning with examples

• The constant exposure to toxic chemicals caused the surrounding environment to begin to degenerate, harming local wildlife and vegetation. The land slowly started to suffer from pollution and contamination due to improper waste disposal practices, ultimately impacting the ecosystem's balance. This caused many plants and animals to perish.
• As the political climate worsened, the public discourse seemed to degenerate into personal attacks and baseless accusations, hindering productive conversations. The debate turned hostile and fueled by anger, creating a rift among the community and making it difficult to find solutions for pressing social issues within society. This led to increased tension and division.
• Without consistent practice, the athlete's skills began to degenerate; their performance decreased, and previously mastered techniques became clumsy. The lack of training led to a noticeable drop in their abilities; which also impacted their overall athletic capabilities, as they found it harder to compete at previous levels. Ultimately, they found themselves in decline.
• After years of neglecting their health, the elderly couple's physical condition began to degenerate, their mobility diminished, and their overall well-being was visibly affected. Their health steadily worsened, and they experienced various age related difficulties; which ultimately, reduced their quality of life, due to the many new difficulties that arose.