degenerate
verb (used without object)
to fall below a normal or desirable level in physical, mental, or moral qualities; deteriorate.
have degenerated
-
present perfectof degenerate.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
He stopped walking at the age of 12 and his muscles have degenerated over time.
From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2023
Previous talks between Vucic and Kurti have degenerated into arguments and mutual recrimination, but this time both leaders have already endorsed the proposals “in principle,” he said.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 27, 2023
“As a result of that, over the years, things like the Reid technique have degenerated into really going off the rails in terms of how they’re being implemented,” Dr. Stinson said.
From New York Times ● Oct. 17, 2019
Though it’s a bit too easy to knock a pop star for trite lyrics, Cooper notes that virtually all public expressions of grief in the social-media era have degenerated into such banalities.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 22, 2017
As my encyclopedia poignantly puts it: “The legs of the larvae have degenerated, and the adults do not fly.”
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
