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

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a degenerative motor neuron disease. —Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026

In season three of Shrinking (which premieres on January 28), coping with a Parkinson’s diagnosis fuels Fox’s storyline opposite Harrison Ford, who plays a therapist living with the degenerative brain disease. —Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 27 Jan. 2026

Less than two weeks after being acquired by the Los Angeles Football Club, Canadian forward Jacob Shaffelburg is set to undergo surgery to repair a degenerative issue in his groin. —Josh Gross, Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026

An insurance company twice refused to cover the costs of spine surgery for an 18-year-old Texas woman diagnosed with degenerative disc disease — until NBC News reached out. —Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 30 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1680, 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