degenerate
UK: dɪˈdʒenəreɪt | US: dɪˈdʒenəreɪt
adj. having declined from an original or normal state; morally or physically degraded
vi. to decline in quality, character, or value
n. a person or thing that has degenerated
The word "degenerate" originates from Latin degeneratus, combining de- (indicating reversal or decline) and genus (race, kind). The root gener- reflects lineage or type, while -ate forms verbs/adjectives. Historically, it described biological or moral decline from a standard. The term evolved to broadly signify deterioration in quality or character, retaining its core logic of "falling away from one's kind."
The debate criticized modern art as degenerate compared to classical works.
Without proper care, the ecosystem may degenerate rapidly.
He was labeled a degenerate for his unethical behavior.
The manuscript’s condition began to degenerate after centuries in damp storage.
Some argue that excessive screen time can degenerate social skills.