degenerative

adjective

de·​gen·​er·​a·​tive di-ˈje-nə-rə-tiv 

-ˈjen-rə-;

-ˈje-nə-ˌrā-;

dē-

: of, relating to, involving, or causing degeneration

a degenerative disease

Did you know?

Degenerative diseases—including cancer, glaucoma, Parkinson's, diabetes, arthritis, and leprosy—are usually contrasted with infectious diseases (diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa). However, many infectious diseases (Lyme disease, AIDS, etc.) can cause a body or body part to degenerate, and infective organisms play a part in some degenerative diseases. Some degenerative diseases can be controlled; some can even be cured. But no one has yet discovered a way to reverse such degenerative conditions as multiple sclerosis, emphysema, or Alzheimer's.

Examples of degenerative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To take on Still Alice, a project about a fatal degenerative disease, when already dealing with another fatal degenerative disease was daunting. —Wash Westmoreland, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025

Brin has already spent $1.75 billion on research of Parkinson’s, a devastating degenerative disease that affects 10 million people globally, more than any other single person. —Phoebe Liu, Forbes, 6 Feb. 2025

Studies have shown that sustained mental engagement is vital for brain health, reducing the risk of degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia. —Dr. Adil Dalal, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

And further reinforcement of the realities of the ravages of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) — a degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive head trauma known to cause aggression, mood swings, depression and paranoia. —Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1846, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

degenerative

adjective

de·​gen·​er·​a·​tive di-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-iv 

-ˈjen-(ə-)rət-iv

: of, relating to, or tending to cause degeneration

a degenerative disease

Medical Definition

degenerative

adjective

de·​gen·​er·​a·​tive di-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-iv  -ˈjen-(ə-)rət- 

: of, relating to, involving, or tending to cause degeneration

degenerative conditions of the nervous system

—Morris Fishbein

degenerative changes

a degenerative muscle disorder