degenerative

/dɪˈdʒenərətɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈdʒenərətɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈje-nə-rə-tiv -ˈjen-rə-; -ˈje-nə-ˌrā-; dē-/ (ame, mw)

degenerative — adjective

  • degenerativepositive
  • more degenerativecomparative
  • most degenerativesuperlative

1. used to describe a medical condition that becomes steadily more serious over tim

1.形容詞B2
釋義

used to describe a medical condition that becomes steadily more serious over time as the affected body part or system slowly loses its ability to work properly

例句

Amara's grandmother was diagnosed with a degenerative nerve disease that made walking harder each year.

collocation: degenerative nerve disease / joint condition / eye disease

The doctor explained that Parkinson's is a degenerative condition affecting the brain cells that control movement.

degenerative + condition + affecting [body part]

同義詞
  • progressive

    used in similar medical contexts but focuses on the steady forward course rather than tissue damage

  • chronic

    means long-lasting but does not necessarily imply worsening over time

  • worsening

    more general and informal; common for any gradual decline, not just medical

反義詞
  • regenerative

    describes healing or regrowth of tissue

  • reversible

    describes a condition that can be cured or undone

文法句型

degenerative + [body part/system] + disease/condition

常見錯誤

❌He has a degenerate spine condition.
✅He has a degenerative spine condition.
💡'Degenerate' describes a person's moral character, not a medical condition that worsens over time.