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

Dufton, who was born with a rare degenerative condition called rod-cone dystrophy, talks with Lee Cowan about how losing his sight did not lead to him forsaking his potential. —David Morgan, CBS News, 28 Nov. 2025

Another has a degenerative neuromuscular condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. —Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 27 Nov. 2025

Sawyer, a former police officer, suffers from degenerative spinal stenosis. —Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Nov. 2025

Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative brain disorder, affects the nervous system and mobility, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 17 Nov. 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