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.

Petrou was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative disorder that leads to vision loss, at age 18.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

The degenerative brain disease is linked to repeated blows to the head and causes an increased risk of mental illness.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

Also posted to the “We’re Not Gonna Take It” singer’s Instagram account, the statement said that Snider “has had several surgeries over the years” to help manage his degenerative arthritis.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

Li, who suffers from a genetic degenerative condition that progressively weakens muscles, relies on a ventilator permanently connected to his windpipe to breathe, but grows celery with the help of his 62-year-old mother.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

I told her that I have chronic, degenerative, relapsing-remitting inflammobetigoitis.

From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen