degenerative
Translation
getting worse over time, causing deterioration
Examples
He suffers from a degenerative disease.
He suffers from a degenerative disease.
Grammar Patterns
((noun)) (of a disease or condition) getting progressively worse He suffers from a degenerative disease.
Similar Words
Synonyms: deteriorating, declining; Antonyms: regenerative, improving
Etymology
From the verb 'degenerate' plus the adjective-forming suffix '-ive'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'degenerative' as describing something that causes a part of the body to 'de-generate' or break down over time.