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

The choice is between a regenerative and renewable economy that fosters long-term, compounding growth, and a degenerative one that self-destructs. —Rose Marcario, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025

A lot of meniscus tears lead to degenerative knees if not taken care of properly. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025

Such programs — there are around 350 in the United States — challenge the old idea that psychotic disorders are degenerative, a long slide to permanent disability. —Ellen Barry, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024

Following a degenerative disc disease diagnosis, an employee at a subsidiary of Black & Decker applied for long-term disability coverage. —Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024

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