degeneracy

/di'dʤenərəsi/
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degeneracy

The artist's work was criticized as a sign of cultural degeneracy.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Moral perversion; impairment of virtue and moral principles: A state of being characterized by a decline from a higher to a lower level of morality, often involving corruption, depravity, or a loss of ethical standards.
    • The state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities: A condition of having declined, typically from a former state of excellence or vitality, into a lower, less functional, or less admirable state, especially regarding character or intellect.
Usage

The word "degeneracy" is a formal noun, typically used in academic, historical, or critical discourse to describe a profound decline in the moral, cultural, or intellectual standards of a person, group, or society. It often carries a strong negative judgment.

Examples
  • The historian argued that the empire's collapse was preceded by a period of profound degeneracy.
  • Critics of the art movement decried it as a sign of cultural degeneracy.
  • The novel explores the moral degeneracy that can accompany great wealth and power.
Advanced Usage
  • Scientific/Technical Context: In physics and mathematics, "degeneracy" refers to a situation where two or more distinct states share the same energy level or value. This is a separate, specialized meaning.
    • Example: The energy level exhibits a degeneracy of four, meaning four quantum states have identical energy.
Variants and Related Words
  • Degenerate (adj): Having declined in quality, character, or moral standing.
    • Example: He was accused of having degenerate tastes.
  • Degenerate (verb): To decline or deteriorate physically, morally, or mentally.
    • Example: The debate degenerated into a shouting match.
  • Degeneration (n): The process or state of degenerating.
    • Example: The doctor diagnosed a degeneration of the nerve tissue.
Synonyms
  • Depravity: Moral corruption; wickedness.
  • Decadence: Moral or cultural decline as characterized by excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury.
  • Corruption: Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, often involving bribery; also, moral perversion.
  • Debasement: The action of reducing the quality, value, or character of something.
Antonyms
  • Virtue: Behavior showing high moral standards.
  • Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
  • Rectitude: Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness.
Idioms and Phrases
  • "A sign of degeneracy": Often used rhetorically to label something as indicative of a broader moral or cultural decline.
    • Example: The pundit called the new fashion trend a sign of degeneracy.
degeneracy

The artist's work was criticized as a sign of cultural degeneracy.

Noun
  1. moral perversion; impairment of virtue and moral principles
    • the luxury and corruption among the upper classes
    • moral degeneracy followed intellectual degeneration
    • its brothels, its opium parlors, its depravity
    • Rome had fallen into moral putrefaction
  2. the state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities

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