degenerate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "degenerate" is correct and can be used in written English.
However, it is important to consider the context in which the word is used. It can be used to describe someone's behavior or actions that are considered immoral or socially unacceptable. For example, "He had degenerate habits such as gambling and drinking heavily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Allin aimed to be the ultimate rock'n'roll degenerate, but as an icon of filth, Barlow has surpassed him.

The Guardian - Opinion

While looted artworks are meant to be returned to the heirs of their owners, there is only a non-binding "moral obligation" to return those pieces which were confiscated as "degenerate art" and then sold on.

The Guardian

But before they are orphaned, families' incomes degenerate as the wage earner falls sick.

The Guardian

Hildebrand Gurlitt, German art dealer and collector Gurlitt was sacked from his job as a museum director in the early 1920s after staging contemporary art exhibitions considered "degenerate" and banned by the Nazis.

The Guardian

Remembrance can degenerate into a routine, and consensus about the past is not necessarily a good sign.

The Guardian - Opinion

'Really, my Lord, you forget that I am a postwar degenerate.

The Guardian - Books

It cannot degenerate into hatred.

The Guardian

He says that "the jury is out whether the target regime will degenerate into something that is farcical and useless".Although the targets generally appear to be worthwhile, there are worries that the focus on outcomes that can be quantified comes at the expense of others that cannot so easily be measured.

The Economist

There remains a risk, of course, that the legislature could degenerate into a factionalist quagmire in which all new legislation remains permanently stuck.

The Economist

At that moment, it hardly seemed possible that the race could degenerate any further.But it did, and largely at the Terrell camp's instigation.

The Economist

As for family values, America's small towns and rural havens suffer from higher rates of marital breakdown and illegitimate births than the degenerate big cities.But pander the politicians feel they must.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "degenerate", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey (moral decline, physical deterioration, etc.) to select the most accurate synonym if the context requires greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "degenerate" casually, as it carries strong negative connotations and can be offensive if applied inappropriately. Ensure the context warrants its severity.

Linguistic Context

The word "degenerate" functions primarily as an adjective describing something that has declined in quality or moral standards. It can also function as a verb, meaning to decline or deteriorate, or as a noun, referring to a person who has fallen from a higher standard. Ludwig provides examples illustrating these various functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "degenerate" is a versatile term that can function as an adjective, verb, or noun, typically carrying a negative connotation associated with decline or deterioration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "degenerate", be mindful of its strong negative implications and consider whether a synonym might be more appropriate. While widely used, it's important to ensure the context warrants such a forceful term, especially to avoid offense. Overall, understanding its nuanced meanings and historical usage allows for effective and responsible communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deteriorate

Focuses specifically on the process of something worsening over time.

decline

Emphasizes a gradual loss of quality, power, or vigor.

devolve

Highlights a shift to a lower or less complex state.

regress

Suggests a return to a former, less developed state.

fall apart

Implies a breakdown or disintegration of something.

decay

Highlights a process of decomposition or rotting.

corrupt

Focuses on moral or ethical decline.

become debased

Emphasizes a reduction in quality or value.

sink into depravity

Suggests a descent into immorality and wickedness.

lose integrity

Focuses on the loss of wholeness, soundness, or ethical principles.

FAQs

How can I use "degenerate" in a sentence?

You can use "degenerate" to describe something that has declined in quality or morality. For example, "The once-vibrant city had begun to degenerate into a state of disrepair."

What are some alternatives to the word "degenerate"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "deteriorate", "decline", or "devolve". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to use "degenerate" to describe art?

Yes, but be aware of the historical context. The term "degenerate art" was used by the Nazis to condemn modern art. Using it today can evoke that historical association.

What is the difference between "degenerate" and "decadent"?

"Degenerate" implies a decline from a previous state of normalcy or higher quality, while "decadent" suggests excessive self-indulgence and luxury. A society can be both "decadent" and "degenerate", but they are distinct concepts.