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

Synonyms

• debilitation
• decay
• decaying
• declension
• decline
• degeneration
• descent
• ebbing
• enfeeblement
• weakening

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

The Chinese ruling party's past anxieties over regime security played a significant role in the rapid deterioration of the bilateral relationship. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

The deterioration in Volkswagen’s prospects point to worsening conditions in the private sector in Germany. —Hanna Ziady, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024

As hospital closures continue and access to care dwindles, the health outcomes for rural Americans, particularly in terms of heart disease, are at risk of further deterioration. —Meeshanthini Dogan, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

There isn’t a parent on this Earth who won’t wince in sympathy at some of these tapes, even the happiest of which forced Robert and Trude to confront the evidence of their son’s deterioration, and there isn’t a doubt in our minds that Mats meant the world to them. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see deteriorate

First Known Use

circa 1658, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

deterioration

noun

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

: the action or process of deteriorating : the state of having deteriorated

personality deterioration

neurological deterioration