degeneration
noun [ S or U ] uk/dɪˌdʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ us/dɪˌdʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən/
恶化；衰退；退化
the process by which something gets worse
There has been a gradual degeneration of the judicial system in the last few years. 近些年来司法制度日渐腐败。
High blood pressure can cause degeneration of the heart muscles. 高血压可引起心肌变性。