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

"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

Burrow spent his last years raising awareness and millions of pounds for research into MND after being diagnosed with the degenerative condition in 2019, two years after his retirement from rugby league.

From BBC

“He had been receiving medical treatments for several age-related conditions including heart disease, degenerative joint disease, and kidney disease,” the park said on Facebook.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• backward
• deteriorating
• regressive
• retrogressive