Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for degenerate. Search instead for dagegengehaltenes.
Definitions

degenerate

[dih-jen-uh-reyt, dih-jen-er-it] / dɪˈdʒɛn əˌreɪt, dɪˈdʒɛn ər ɪt /
ADJECTIVE
corrupt, deteriorated
Synonyms
STRONG
base debased debauched decadent decayed degenerated degraded demeaned depraved failing fallen low mean miscreant perverted retrograde sinking vitiated worsen
WEAK
dissolute effete flatitious immoral infamous nefarious overripe retrogressive rotten unhealthy vicious villainous wicked
Antonyms
STRONG
clean good healthy honest honorable kind moral nice noble pure strong uncorrupt upright virtuous well
VERB
decay, deteriorate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
descend disintegrate lapse lessen regress revert worsen
STRONG
backslide corrode corrupt decline decrease deprave retrogress return rot sink slip vitiate
WEAK
come apart at seams die on vine disimprove fall off go downhill go to pieces go to the dogs
Antonyms
STRONGEST
develop grow increase progress
STRONG
aid build help improve rise

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.

I’m kind of glad that I’m not so much of a degenerate anymore.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

These stellar remnants behave in unusual ways, since their internal structure makes them shrink as they gain mass, which is why they are known as degenerate stars.

From Science Daily • Dec. 2, 2025

If too many degenerate gamblers are betting on bitcoin going up, the perpetual price rises above spot.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 27, 2025

His screen persona has often been the sleaziest of weasels, the connoisseur’s moral degenerate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

Boethius himself played a somewhat similar role in degenerate Rome.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Vocabulary lists containing degenerate

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963)

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Flowers for Algernon

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Persepolis

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!