deteriorate

verb

de·​te·​ri·​o·​rate di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt 

dē-

deteriorated; deteriorating

transitive verb

1

: to make inferior in quality or value : impair

Exposure to sunlight may deteriorate the paint.

2

: disintegrate

intransitive verb

: to become impaired in quality, functioning, or condition : degenerate

allowed a tradition of academic excellence to deteriorate

his health deteriorated

deteriorative

di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrā-tiv 

dē-

adjective

Synonyms

• atrophy
• crumble
• decay
• decline
• degenerate
• descend
• devolve
• ebb
• regress
• retrograde
• rot
• sink
• worsen

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

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin deterioratus, past participle of deteriorare, from Latin deterior worse, from de- + -ter (suffix as in Latin uter which of two) + -ior (comparative suffix) — more at whether entry 2, -er

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids 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

2

: disintegrate sense 1

deterioration

-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən

noun

deteriorative

-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt-iv 

adjective

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