Definitions

degenerative

[dih-jen-er-uh-tiv, -uh-rey-tiv] / dɪˈdʒɛn ər ə tɪv, -əˌreɪ tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

tending to diminish in quality

Synonyms

STRONGEST

backward deteriorating regressive retrogressive

STRONG

declinatory depressive dwindling frittering

WEAK

deleterious

Antonyms

STRONGEST

improving progressive

WEAK

expanding growing

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.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people each year and can occur in many different joints throughout the body.

From Science Daily • Jun. 23, 2026

The mustached southerner, yachting enthusiast and philanthropist, whose empire also included sports clubs, had been suffering from the degenerative disease Lewy Body Dementia.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Parkinson's disease, is a degenerative condition which affects how your brain communicates with the muscles in the body.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

CTE is a degenerative brain disease that has been found in people exposed to repetitive head trauma; it can be diagnosed only after death.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Because these small amounts of pesticides are cumulatively stored and only slowly excreted, the threat of chronic poisoning and degenerative changes of the liver and other organs is very real.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson