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.

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

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

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

Katie leaned forward, and I whispered the many problems I’d been suffering, which had led to the diagnosis of chronic, degenerative, relapsing-remitting inflammobetigoitis.

From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen