How to use degenerate in a sentence. To fall below a normal or desirable level in physical, mental, or moral qualities See examples of degenerate used in a sentence. Degenerate adjective formal disapproving having very low moral standards of behaviour If you describe a person or their behaviour as degenerate, you disapprove of them because you think they have low standards of behaviour or morality. Degenerate can also describe an immoral person — or the behavior of such a person.
Having lost, or become impaired with respect to, the qualities proper to the race or kind Characterized by or associated with degeneracy Mathematics pertaining to a limiting case of a mathematical system that is more symmetrical or simpler in form than the general case Degenerate (comparative more degenerate, superlative most degenerate) (of qualities) having deteriorated, degraded or fallen from normal, coherent, balanced and desirable to undesirable and typically abnormal. To decline in physical, mental, or moral qualities Fall from a high or normal standard
There are 13 meanings listed in oed's entry for the word degenerate, one of which is labelled obsolete, and four of which are considered offensive See ‘meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.
OPEN
