deterioration

noun

de·te·ri·o·ra·tion di-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən

dē-

: the action or process of becoming impaired or inferior in quality, functioning, or condition : the state of having deteriorated

rust deterioration

the deterioration of academic standards

Choose the Right Synonym for deterioration

deterioration, degeneration, decadence, decline mean the falling from a higher to a lower level in quality, character, or vitality.

deterioration implies generally the impairment of value or usefulness.

the deterioration of the house through neglect

degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

decadence presupposes a reaching and passing the peak of development and implies a turn downward with a consequent loss in vitality or energy.

cited love of luxury as a sign of cultural decadence

decline differs from decadence in suggesting a more markedly downward direction and greater momentum as well as more obvious evidence of deterioration.

the meteoric decline of his career after the scandal

Examples of deterioration in a Sentence

the gradual deterioration of the weather a deterioration of academic standards

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Algorithms are used to predict patients' risk of death or deterioration, to suggest diagnoses or triage patients, to record and summarize visits to save doctors work, and to approve insurance claims. —

Darius Tahir | Kff Health News, ABC News, 10 Jan. 2025 The measures, which include banning the maintenance of the aircraft and the supply of new planes, are likely to continue the deterioration of Russia's aviation industry. —

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025 Antioxidants in coffee can reduce the chemical deterioration of cells and allow for the cells to recover better after being exposed to harmful effects like inflammation, according to Rodrigo Cunha, PhD, a co-author of the review and a professor of neuroscience at the University of Coimbra. —

Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2024 This helps eliminate any material that can harbor moisture, preventing rust and deterioration. —

Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deterioration