degeneration

1 a change to a lower state or level the organization's degeneration from a movement for political reform to just another political party Synonyms decadence, declension, declination, degeneracy, decline, 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 gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body the troubling degeneration of his memory since he reached middle age Synonyms debilitation, decay, decaying, declension, decline, descent, deterioration, ebbing, enfeeblement, weakeningRelated Words atrophy; exhaustion; drooping, flagging, limping; regression, relapse, setbackNear Antonyms invigoration, strengthening; progress; rejuvenation, rejuvenescenceAntonyms comeback, improvement, rally, recovery, recuperation, rehabilitation, revitalization, snapback

3 a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior the general degeneration that characterized so many old mining towns, which had only drinking and gambling for entertainment Synonyms abjection, corruptness, debasement, debauchery, decadence, decadency, degeneracy, degenerateness, corruption, 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