degeneracy

USAGE SUMMARY

'degeneracy' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is typically used to describe people or activities that are considered immoral or socially unacceptable. For example: The degeneracy taking place in the city's downtown area has made many of its residents uneasy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

David Cameron, the Conservative Party leader, was wont to bemoan "broken Britain", mired in moral degeneracy, with high rates of teenage pregnancy, low rates of marriage and other less quantifiable breakdowns in the civilised scheme of things.Such antediluvian worries were raked over again on July 13th when Iain Duncan Smith, a former Tory leader, called for an official endorsement of marriage.

The Economist

Mr Orozco has been threatened and attacked with a bottle.Collateral damageThe American fundamentalists see themselves as defending biblical values and stemming degeneracy.

The Economist

"It is human virtues I want," He says, "human greatness".Ms Neiman asks people to reject the false choice between Utopia and degeneracy.

The Economist

Cultural conservatives would be struck by evidence of European moral degeneracy.

The Economist

The temperance movement blamed booze for crime, "moral degeneracy", broken families and business failure.

The Economist

Liu Zhihua, a deputy mayor of Beijing who was in charge of Olympics-related construction projects, was detained last week and dismissed for "corruption and degeneracy".

The Economist

The "art of religion" has been replaced by "the religion of art" and with that has come degeneracy.

The Economist

It looked much better on Tony Blair.Meanwhile, in a bid to counteract his reputation as a tribal Labourite, Mr Brown has begun to look like a conventional Tory pessimist: the Britain of his recent rhetoric is imperilled by foreigners, degeneracy and globalisation.

The Economist

And they regard Mrs Palin's apparent ignorance not as a problem but as a badge of honour.Another reason is the degeneracy of the conservative intelligentsia itself, a modern-day version of the 1970s liberals it arose to do battle with: trapped in an ideological cocoon, defined by its outer fringes, ruled by dynasties and incapable of adjusting to a changed world.

The Economist

Earlier, in 1999, she was the first scientist to cool a fermionic gas to a sufficiently low temperature to make it possible to observe quantum degeneracy, an achievement that earned her the 2014 Isaac Newton Medal of the Institute of Physics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unpopular because of his attacks on degeneracy in the Burgundian court and among local clergy, he was indicted before a synod of French bishops (603) for keeping Easter according to the Celtic usage, whereupon he wrote Pope Gregory I for aid.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "degeneracy", consider the specific type of decline you want to emphasize – moral, cultural, or physical – and choose related words accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "degeneracy" loosely to describe any form of decline. It specifically implies a decline into immorality, corruption, or decay. If you mean something simpler, use "decline" or "deterioration" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "degeneracy" is as a noun. It refers to the state or condition of being degenerate, indicating a decline in quality, morals, or physical condition. As Ludwig AI points out, it's often used to describe societal or individual moral decline.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "degeneracy" functions as a noun that describes a state of decline, typically in moral, cultural, or physical terms. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English and notes its association with immoral or socially unacceptable conduct. It's a word most frequently encountered in News & Media and Encyclopedias contexts, implying a neutral to formal register. While effective in conveying disapproval of declining standards, it's crucial to ensure that it accurately reflects the intended meaning and isn't used too broadly. Consider synonyms like "moral decay" or "decline" if a less specific term is more appropriate. When using "degeneracy", be mindful of its connotations and the overall tone you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral decay

Focuses specifically on the decline of moral standards.

moral decline

Similar to moral decay, but can also imply a decrease in importance or influence.

moral corruption

Highlights the corrupting influence on moral principles.

state of depravity

Highlights the state of being morally corrupt or wicked.

cultural decay

Shifts the focus from morality to the deterioration of cultural values and practices.

cultural decline

Analogous to cultural decay but with possible focus on influence.

corruption and decadence

Combines the ideas of corruption and luxurious self-indulgence leading to decline.

ethical erosion

Implies a gradual wearing away of ethical standards.

social breakdown

Emphasizes the disintegration of social structures and norms.

decline in standards

More general than "degeneracy", referring to a drop in quality or expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "degeneracy" in a sentence?

You can use "degeneracy" to describe a state of moral, cultural, or physical decline, as in "The moral degeneracy of the city was evident in its high crime rate".

What are some alternatives to "degeneracy"?

You can use alternatives like "moral decay", "corruption", or "decline", depending on the specific context.

Is "degeneracy" a formal or informal word?

"Degeneracy" is generally considered a formal word and is often used in academic or journalistic contexts. More informal synonyms might include "corruption" or descriptions of specific behaviors.

What is the difference between "degeneracy" and "degeneration"?

"Degeneracy" refers to the state of being degenerate, while "degeneration" is the process of declining or deteriorating. So, "degeneration" leads to "degeneracy".