degeneracy

1 a change to a lower state or level the sad degeneracy of the old neighborhood into a slum Synonyms decadence, declension, declination, decline, degeneration, degradation, dégringolade, descent, deterioration, devolution, downfall, downgrade, ebb, eclipse, fallRelated Words dark age, nadir, sunset; decay, rotting, spoiling; breakup, crumbling, decomposition, disintegration, dissolution; abasement, debasement; depreciation, lessening; decimation, demolishment, demolition, desolation, destruction, havoc, ruin, ruination; abatement, decrease, decrement, de-escalation, deflation, diminishment, diminution, dip, downslide, downtrend, downturn, drop, drop-off, falloff, loss, lowering, reduction, sag, shrinkage, slip, slumpNear Antonyms advancement, development, evolution, growth; blossoming, flourishing, flowering; renewal, restoration, revitalization; heightening; accretion, accrual, addendum, addition, augmentation, boost, enhancement, gain, increase, increment, raise, supplementAntonyms ascent, rise, upswing

2 a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior the degeneracy of the family into a gang of petty thieves Synonyms abjection, corruptness, debasement, debauchery, decadence, decadency, corruption, degenerateness, degeneration, degradation, demoralization, depravity, dissipatedness, dissipation, dissoluteness, libertinage, libertinism, perversion, pervertedness, rakishness, turpitudeRelated Words evil, immorality, sinfulness, villainy, wickedness; filth, gangrene, rot, squalorNear Antonyms goodness, morality, righteousness, virtue