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 of degeneration decadence, declension, declination, degeneracy, decline, degradation, dégringolade, descent, deterioration, devolution, downfall, downgrade, ebb, eclipse, fallWords Related to degeneration 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 of degeneration advancement, development, evolution, growth; blossoming, flourishing, flowering; renewal, restoration, revitalization; heightening; accretion, accrual, addendum, addition, augmentation, boost, enhancement, gain, increase, increment, raise, supplementAntonyms of degeneration 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 of degeneration debilitation, decay, decaying, declension, decline, descent, deterioration, ebbing, enfeeblement, weakeningWords Related to degeneration atrophy; exhaustion; drooping, flagging, limping; regression, relapse, setbackNear Antonyms of degeneration invigoration, strengthening; progress; rejuvenation, rejuvenescenceAntonyms of degeneration 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 of degeneration abjection, corruptness, debasement, debauchery, decadence, decadency, degeneracy, degenerateness, corruption, degradation, demoralization, depravity, dissipatedness, dissipation, dissoluteness, libertinage, libertinism, perversion, pervertedness, rakishness, turpitudeWords Related to degeneration evil, immorality, sinfulness, villainy, wickedness; filth, gangrene, rot, squalorNear Antonyms of degeneration goodness, morality, righteousness, virtue