deteriorate
verb
de·te·ri·o·rate
di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt 
dē-
deteriorated; deteriorating
1
: to make inferior in quality or value : impair
Exposure to sunlight may deteriorate the paint.
2
: to become impaired in quality, functioning, or condition : degenerate
allowed a tradition of academic excellence to deteriorate
his health deteriorated
Synonyms
Examples of deteriorate in a Sentence
efforts to save a deteriorating rain forest
Exposure to rain and sun will gradually deteriorate the paint.
Recent Examples on the Web
Or watch our economic base deteriorate rapidly over the next 25 years.
—
Kathleen Gallagher, Journal Sentinel, 14 June 2024
The agency added that the deteriorating levels of aid access in the south meant that more children could fall ill with malnutrition.
—Bryan Pietsch, Washington Post, 12 June 2024
After the two were arrested, their relationship continued for another year but eventually deteriorated as their separate cases moved forward.
—Katie Rife, EW.com, 9 June 2024
In the past several weeks, Rosa’s health deteriorated, and experts at the aquarium decided to euthanize her.
—Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for deteriorate 
Kathleen Gallagher, Journal Sentinel, 14 June 2024
The agency added that the deteriorating levels of aid access in the south meant that more children could fall ill with malnutrition.
—Bryan Pietsch, Washington Post, 12 June 2024
After the two were arrested, their relationship continued for another year but eventually deteriorated as their separate cases moved forward.
—Katie Rife, EW.com, 9 June 2024
In the past several weeks, Rosa’s health deteriorated, and experts at the aquarium decided to euthanize her.
—Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for deteriorate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deteriorate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near deteriorate
Cite this Entry
“Deteriorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deteriorate. Accessed 30 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deteriorate
verb
de·te·ri·o·rate
di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt
deteriorated; deteriorating
1
: to make or become worse or of less value : degenerate
deterioration
noun
-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən
Medical Definition
deteriorate
intransitive verb
de·te·ri·o·rate
di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt
deteriorated; deteriorating
: to become impaired in quality, functioning, or condition : degenerate
her health deteriorated
deteriorating vision
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