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

Jazrawi said that older adults with degenerative changes may be more likely to be treated conservatively, while younger patients who suffer a tear from a sports injury may be more likely to need a procedure to resume an active lifestyle. —NBC news, 11 Mar. 2026

What sounds like a broadcaster’s signature was born from a son trying to reach his father through the fog of a degenerative disease. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2026

Gunn, who had been diagnosed in 2024 with ALS, the neurological degenerative disorder also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, passed away in his home in Toronto, his family announced Monday. —Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 3 Mar. 2026

Eric Dane battled this disease before his death And ALS, commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rare degenerative disease that can impact the brain and spinal cord. —Rachel Hale, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026

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