noun

degeneration

dih-jen-uh-RAY-shun/dɪˌdʒenəˈreɪʃn/

Gradual worsening in quality or condition.

Rust and broken teeth show the gear's gradual degeneration.

Gear deteriorates from intact steel through rust to crumbling teeth.

Etymology

deLatinaway from

+generLatinbirth, descent

+ationLatinaction or process

“Away from” one's “descent” supplied the idea of losing qualities proper to one's ancestry or kind. The action-noun ending makes this a process, broadened to deterioration in strength, condition, or function.

In context

Performance Pain and Sports Medicine4:06

characterized by the drying out and degeneration of the intervertebral discs in the spine.

Disc Desiccation: Doctor’s Advice on Causes, Symptoms & Remedies

More examples

Neglect causes the building's steady degeneration.
The report tracks the degeneration of the old transport system.
Treatment aims to slow further degeneration.

Forms

degeneration

Similar words

deterioration: The general process of becoming worse in condition.
decline: Decline is a general worsening; degeneration often suggests breakdown of structure or function.