Degenerative (adjective)

1. Relating to or characterized by degeneration; tending to cause degeneration.
2. Relating to or characterized by degeneration; tending to cause degeneration.

Origin:

Late 18th century; earliest use found in dictionary of the english language (1796). from post-classical latin degenerativus, from degenerat- (stem of degenerare to degenerate) + -ivus.

Examples:

1. Degenerative diseases like Alzheimer"s and Parkinson"s can be debilitating.
2. The degenerative effects of prolonged sitting on the spine are well-documented.
3. His doctor warned him that if he didn't change his lifestyle, he would develop degenerative arthritis.
4. The degenerative changes in the tissue were clearly visible under the microscope.
5. The degenerative process that leads to the loss of function in the affected cells.