Degeneration

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /dɪˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃən/

Definitions of degeneration

noun the process of deteriorating or declining in quality, strength, or condition

Example Sentences

A1 The doctor explained that degeneration of the joints is a common part of aging.

A2 She was worried about the degeneration of her eyesight as she got older.

B1 The degeneration of the environment is a major concern for many environmentalists.

B2 The degeneration of the old building was evident in the crumbling walls and peeling paint.

C1 The degeneration of society's values is often attributed to the rise of technology and social media.

C2 The degeneration of the once thriving ecosystem was a stark reminder of the impact of human activity on the planet.

Examples of degeneration in a Sentence

formal The doctor diagnosed the patient with spinal degeneration.

informal My grandma's knees are really hurting her because of the degeneration.

slang I heard that sitting too much can cause back degeneration.

figurative The political party blamed the country's problems on the degeneration of moral values.

Grammatical Forms of degeneration

past tense

degenerated

plural

degenerations

comparative

more degenerate

superlative

most degenerate

present tense

degenerates

future tense

will degenerate

perfect tense

has degenerated

continuous tense

is degenerating

singular

degeneration

positive degree

degenerate

infinitive

to degenerate

gerund

degenerating

participle

degenerated

Origin and Evolution of degeneration

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'degeneration' originates from the Latin word 'degeneratio', which is derived from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'down' or 'away from' and the word 'genus' meaning 'race' or 'kind'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in a biological context to describe the process of deterioration or decline in physical or mental qualities, the word 'degeneration' has evolved to also encompass social, moral, or cultural decline in modern usage.