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
After all, fast-changing technology has been one of the drivers of deteriorating trust.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
But the recommendations were not followed, and the property continued to deteriorate.
—Joe Rubino, The Denver Post, 3 Nov. 2024
Charlie's health deteriorates due to his excessive weight and eating habits, and his closest connection to the outside world is Liz, played by Hong Chau, a nurse and friend who cares deeply about him but is troubled by his refusal to seek medical help.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Well, there's no doubt that the relationship between Stewart Rhodes and Tasha Adams deteriorated over the years.
—Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for deteriorate 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
But the recommendations were not followed, and the property continued to deteriorate.
—Joe Rubino, The Denver Post, 3 Nov. 2024
Charlie's health deteriorates due to his excessive weight and eating habits, and his closest connection to the outside world is Liz, played by Hong Chau, a nurse and friend who cares deeply about him but is troubled by his refusal to seek medical help.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Well, there's no doubt that the relationship between Stewart Rhodes and Tasha Adams deteriorated over the years.
—Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for deteriorate
Dictionary Entries Near deteriorate
Cite this Entry
“Deteriorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deteriorate. Accessed 23 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share