degenerative

[ dih-jen-er-uh-tiv, -uh-rey-tiv ]

adjective

1. tending to degenerate.
2. characterized by degeneration.

degenerative

/ dɪˈdʒɛnəˌreɪtɪv /

adjective

1. (of a disease or condition) getting steadily worse

Other Words From

• nonde·gener·a·tive adjective
• unde·gener·a·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of degenerative¹

First recorded in 1840–50; degenerate + -ive

Example Sentences

After Garr publicly announced that she had MS — a degenerative disease affecting the nervous system — she often joked that she continued to get parts “even though, you know, in Hollywood getting older is worse than having a handicap.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Former professional footballers are at much higher risk of degenerative brain diseases, dementias and related disorders," says Prof Stewart, who is a consultant neuropathologist at the University of Glasgow.

From BBC

Just before Sir Chris's tumour was discovered, Sarra had undergone scans that would later show she had multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease.

From BBC

Less than a year later, he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a degenerative brain disease that currently has no cure.

From Los Angeles Times

The 50-year-old athlete, who has a degenerative visual impairment called Stargart disease, will run the 200- and 400-meter events as part of the T12 classification.

From Salon

Related Words

• backward
• deteriorating
• regressive
• retrogressive