degenerative

American  

[dih-jen-er-uh-tiv, -uh-rey-tiv] / dɪˈdʒɛn ər ə tɪv, -əˌreɪ tɪv /

adjective

1. tending to degenerate.

2. characterized by degeneration.

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degenerative British  

/ dɪˈdʒɛnəˌreɪtɪv /

adjective

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

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Other Word Forms

• nondegenerative adjective
• undegenerative adjective

Etymology

Origin of degenerative

First recorded in 1840–50; degenerate + -ive

Example Sentences

As human cells grow older or are harmed by degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, or by exposure to harmful agents like chemotherapy drugs, their ability to generate energy steadily drops.

From Science Daily

Across the globe, a wide range of animals, including household pets, livestock, and marine species, are developing serious health problems such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, and degenerative joint disease.

From Science Daily

Paralyzed and in severe pain from cerebral palsy and degenerative arthritis, she checked into a California hospital with the intention of starving herself.

From The Wall Street Journal

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disorder that affects more than 500 million people globally, is the leading cause of disability among older adults.

From Science Daily

Rilkean memory helps explain a phenomenon that caretakers of people with degenerative brain diseases know intimately.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• backward
• deteriorating
• regressive
• retrogressive