degeneration
Americannoun
-
the process of degenerating.
-
the condition or state of being degenerate.
-
Pathology.
-
a process by which a tissue deteriorates, loses functional activity, and may become converted into or replaced by other kinds of tissue.
-
the condition produced by such a process.
-
noun
-
the process of degenerating
-
the state of being degenerate
-
biology the loss of specialization, function, or structure by organisms and their parts, as in the development of vestigial organs
-
-
impairment or loss of the function and structure of cells or tissues, as by disease or injury, often leading to death (necrosis) of the involved part
-
the resulting condition
-
-
electronics negative feedback of a signal
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of degeneration
First recorded in 1475–85, degeneration is from the Late Latin word dēgenerātiōn- (stem of dēgenerātiō ). See de-, generation
Explanation
Degeneration is a process of decline. Anything that’s getting worse is going through degeneration. A grand old mansion that’s now abandoned and covered with weeds is in a state of degeneration. When something degenerates, it gets worse in some way, like a house that’s slowly sinking in the mud. This process of decline is called degeneration. The word is from the Latin word degenerare which means "to be inferior to one's ancestors.” Ouch. Now degeneration refers to anything in a state of decline, such as a friendship that was strong and now barely exists.
Vocabulary lists containing degeneration
This Week in Words: April 6–12, 2019
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Tears of a Tiger
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
All Quiet on the Western Front
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The findings could also help guide research into eye diseases including macular degeneration and glaucoma.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 23, 2026
Solicitor-advocate Stephen Biggam, defending, said MacPherson was deaf and suffering from the eye condition macular degeneration.
From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026
A diagnosis of CTE requires evidence of degeneration of brain tissue that can only be seen during an autopsy.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026
At the same time, researchers noted that GLP-1 drugs may benefit some eye conditions, including age related macular degeneration and uveitis.
From Science Daily ● May 23, 2026
It’s a fascinating study of the degeneration of the human spirit.
From "Tears of a Tiger" by Sharon M. Draper
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
