degenerative

adjective

de·​gen·​er·​a·​tive di-ˈje-nə-rə-tiv 

-ˈjen-rə-;

-ˈje-nə-ˌrā-;

dē-

: of, relating to, involving, or causing degeneration

a degenerative disease

Did you know?

Degenerative diseases—including cancer, glaucoma, Parkinson's, diabetes, arthritis, and leprosy—are usually contrasted with infectious diseases (diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa). However, many infectious diseases (Lyme disease, AIDS, etc.) can cause a body or body part to degenerate, and infective organisms play a part in some degenerative diseases. Some degenerative diseases can be controlled; some can even be cured. But no one has yet discovered a way to reverse such degenerative conditions as multiple sclerosis, emphysema, or Alzheimer's.

Examples of degenerative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

People with lower-back conditions, such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or spinal instability, may find the position aggravates their condition. —Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 5 May 2025

But the most common cause of weak knees is a degenerative joint disease known as arthritis. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 May 2025

The goal was to raise awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare degenerative disease that causes progressive paralysis of the muscles. —Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Following the event, Fox took to Instagram to thank everyone involved in making the night special, including Stapleton, and helping to raise money to help find a cure for the degenerative disease. —Lori A Bashian Fox News, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1846, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for degenerative

• regenerative
• generative
• neurodegenerative

Kids Definition

degenerative

adjective

de·​gen·​er·​a·​tive di-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-iv 

-ˈjen-(ə-)rət-iv

: of, relating to, or tending to cause degeneration

a degenerative disease

Medical Definition

degenerative

adjective

de·​gen·​er·​a·​tive di-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-iv  -ˈjen-(ə-)rət- 

: of, relating to, involving, or tending to cause degeneration

degenerative conditions of the nervous system

—Morris Fishbein

degenerative changes

a degenerative muscle disorder