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Showing results for degenerate.
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.

“Degen” is a term that alludes to degenerate gamblers and first gained popularity on Reddit to refer to investors who gravitate toward wildly risky strategies.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 15, 2025

You need to be a true degenerate for Las Vegas to break your heart.

From Slate • Nov. 18, 2025

That it no longer seems to be leaves us all morally degenerate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025

“It was like a full-on summer camp for degenerate punk rockers, if you will,” Dragge says.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2025

I know I mess up sometimes, I know I can be a sarcastic jerk, I know I’m not the daughter my parents wanted, but Amá treats me like I’m a degenerate.

From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.