degenerate
verb (used without object)
to fall below a normal or desirable level in physical, mental, or moral qualities; deteriorate.
degenerated
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past participleof degenerate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof degenerate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
degenerateverb (used without object)to fall below a normal or desirable level in physical, mental, or moral qualities; deteriorate.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
French authorities on Thursday imposed bans or restrictions on fresh protests springing up in the wake of demonstrations last weekend that degenerated into the worst street violence in years.
From Barron's ● Oct. 22, 2026
The opposite pattern appeared in rats whose orexin neurons had been selectively degenerated.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 5, 2026
By 2024, my hobby was starting to feel like work, and it was only a matter of time before the sport degenerated enough to make it official.
From Slate ● Jun. 14, 2026
Hilary prompted the first-ever tropical storm watches and warnings in California, but officials now say it had degenerated into a post-tropical low when it hit.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 24, 2024
Eventually, before my father and I degenerated to the “Oh, yeah? YEAH!” level, she stopped us.
From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick
