Synonyms of degeneration

degeneration

noun

di-ˌje-nə-ˈrā-shən 

1

as in deterioration

a change to a lower state or level

the organization's degeneration from a movement for political reform to just another political party

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deterioration
• degradation
• decline
• declination
• descent
• decadence
• degeneracy
• downfall
• destruction
• devolution
• decrease
• ebb
• reduction
• eclipse
• fall
• decay
• declension
• downgrade
• dissolution
• disintegration
• decomposition
• drop
• dégringolade
• loss
• crumbling
• rotting
• breakup
• dark age
• debasement
• spoiling
• sunset
• nadir
• dip
• depreciation
• diminution
• abasement
• slump
• shrinkage
• ruination
• demolition
• decimation
• diminishment
• lessening
• havoc
• lowering
• deflation
• downturn
• ruin
• decrement
• sag
• falloff
• desolation
• demolishment
• downslide
• downtrend
• drop-off
• abatement
• slip
• de-escalation

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• development
• growth
• evolution
• rise
• advancement
• ascent
• flowering
• restoration
• renewal
• upswing
• revitalization
• increase
• enhancement
• addition
• blossoming
• gain
• flourishing
• augmentation
• increment
• accretion
• supplement
• accrual
• raise
• boost
• heightening
• addendum

2

as in weakening

a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body

the troubling degeneration of his memory since he reached middle age

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deterioration
• weakening
• decay
• decaying
• decline
• debilitation
• exhaustion
• enfeeblement
• atrophy
• declension
• descent
• ebbing
• regression
• drooping
• relapse
• setback
• flagging
• limping

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• improvement
• rehabilitation
• recovery
• revitalization
• recuperation
• strengthening
• progress
• comeback
• rally
• rejuvenation
• invigoration
• snapback
• rejuvenescence

3

as in degradation

a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior

the general degeneration that characterized so many old mining towns, which had only drinking and gambling for entertainment

Synonyms & Similar Words

• degradation
• corruption
• corruptness
• dissoluteness
• degeneracy
• debasement
• dissipation
• turpitude
• demoralization
• decadence
• perversion
• abjection
• sinfulness
• decadency
• depravity
• libertinism
• libertinage
• degenerateness
• evil
• debauchery
• rakishness
• pervertedness
• dissipatedness
• immorality
• villainy
• wickedness
• gangrene
• rot
• squalor
• filth

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• virtue
• morality
• goodness
• righteousness

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun degeneration differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of degeneration are decadence, decline, and deterioration. While all these words mean "the falling from a higher to a lower level in quality, character, or vitality," degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

When can decadence be used instead of degeneration?

Although the words decadence and degeneration have much in common, decadence presupposes a reaching and passing the peak of development and implies a turn downward with a consequent loss in vitality or energy.

cited love of luxury as a sign of cultural decadence

How are the words decline and decadence related as synonyms of degeneration?

Decline differs from decadence in suggesting a more markedly downward direction and greater momentum as well as more obvious evidence of deterioration.

the meteoric decline of his career after the scandal

In what contexts can deterioration take the place of degeneration?

The words deterioration and degeneration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deterioration implies generally the impairment of value or usefulness.

the deterioration of the house through neglect

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of degeneration

Following his retirement from acting in 2022 due to an aphasia diagnosis, Willis' family revealed in February 2023 that the actor had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a brain disorder caused by degeneration of the brain's frontal lobe. —Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025

The effect is particularly pronounced for cells that are very energy-hungry, like brain cells – causing the gradual degeneration seen with Parkinson’s disease. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2025

Importantly, Alan explained that methylene blue can cross from the bloodstream into the brain—a key factor for effectively treating cognitive diseases related to brain cell degeneration. —Cathy Nelson, Health, 19 Feb. 2025

Changes in metabolism, appetite, and mobility could signal underlying brain degeneration. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 12 Feb. 2025