degenerate
verb (used without object)
to fall below a normal or desirable level in physical, mental, or moral qualities; deteriorate.
degenerates
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pluralof degenerate.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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present tense formof degenerate (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
As the valve tissue degenerates, the thin flaps that should meet neatly can thicken, stretch, or lose their normal shape.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 12, 2026
“When my dad’s wife died a couple of years back, it was those rave degenerates who were there for me,” she says.
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2024
What do you see are some of the things that can keep perspectives on this matchup fresh and maybe move beyond the horse race aspect that election coverage always degenerates into?
From Salon ● Sep. 14, 2024
One commentor suggested we were all members of the illuminati, or the Freemasons, who gathered with other well-heeled or well-connected degenerates to prove to ourselves that we were above the common herd.
From Slate ● May 27, 2023
“If our search degenerates to that level I’ll be sure to call on you,” I said without looking in his direction.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
