What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
degenerative
Example
The patient was diagnosed with a degenerative disease that affects the nervous system. [degenerative: adjective]
Example
The company's profits have been on a degenerative trend for the past few years. [degenerative: adjective]
declining
Example
The declining birth rate is a concern for many countries. [declining: present participle]
Example
The company's declining sales led to layoffs and budget cuts. [declining: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Declining is more commonly used than degenerative in everyday language. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts and situations. Degenerative, on the other hand, is more technical and specific, and is mainly used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between degenerative and declining?
Degenerative has a more formal and technical connotation, while declining is more commonly used in informal and everyday language. However, both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation and audience.
