degenerate
degenerate Lexical Profile
degenerate Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having lost the physical, mental, or moral qualities considered normal and desirable; showing evidence of decline or moral corruption.
"The historian argued that the empire collapsed from within due to a corrupt and degenerate ruling class."
In mathematics, physics, and biology, having reverted to a simpler, less differentiated, or lower form, or having two or more distinct quantum states at the same energy level.
"In quantum mechanics, two or more orbitals that possess the exact same energy level are referred to as degenerate."
• verb
To decline or deteriorate physically, mentally, or morally from a former or normal state of quality.
"What began as a polite policy debate quickly degenerated into a shouting match between the rival candidates."
• noun
An immoral, corrupt, or depraved person whose behavior falls far below accepted ethical or social standards.
"The tabloid press portrayed the disgraced financier as a shameless degenerate who squandered his clients' savings."
Word Nuance & Usage
Notice the pronunciation shift: as a verb, the final syllable is pronounced with a long 'a' (/dɪˈdʒɛnəreɪt/), whereas as a noun or adjective, the final vowel is reduced to a schwa (/dɪˈdʒɛnərət/).
• Rhymes for degenerate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 15th century from Latin degeneratus, the past participle of degenerare ('to be inferior to one's ancestors' or 'to fall from one's ancestral quality'), formed from de- ('down from') and genus ('birth, race, or kind').