Degeneracy Meaning
/dɪˈd͡ʒɛnəɹəsi/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe state of being degenerate (in all senses).
nounThe ability of one part of the brain to take over another's function without being overexerted.
Sentence Examples
Censorship is a sign of degeneracy.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The moral ____ of the ancient kingdom led to its inevitable collapse.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Censorship is a sign of ____.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree English degenerate English -cy English degeneracy From degenerate + -cy.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"If it be true, that the preſent age is more corrupt, than the preceding, the great multiplication of Novels has probably contributed to its degeneracy."
— 1800, Vicesimus Knox, “Essay XIV (On Novel reading)”, in Essays Moral and Literary, volume I, page 100:
"Inveterate abuse of drinking in nonhereditarily disposed persons creates a degeneracy like the hereditary."
— 1893, Circulars of Information of the Bureau of Education, United States. Office of Education, page 133:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The moral ____ of the ancient kingdom led to its inevitable collapse.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Censorship is a sign of ____.