degenerate
verb (used without object)
to fall below a normal or desirable level in physical, mental, or moral qualities; deteriorate.
is degenerating
-
present progressiveof degenerate (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate 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.
"Perhaps they can add new brain cells to a network that is degenerating," Salta says.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 3, 2026
Not to get too philosophical, but everything alive is degenerating.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 13, 2026
“The storm is degenerating before our eyes right now.”
From New York Times ● Nov. 9, 2020
He noted that “This is degenerating into a food fight where no one looks good.”
From New York Times ● Feb. 26, 2016
"Until lately, he has seemed quite a fellow for sport, but he is degenerating into a drone."
From Frank Merriwell's Chums by Burt L. Standish
