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.

His environmental project launched the Institute’s research via an extensive study of the relationship between business practices and environmental deterioration. —

Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025 Shot over five tumultuous years, the film traces Noam’s journey in tandem with the region’s steady deterioration. —

Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 Feb. 2025 In the referral, the six countries expressed their concern about the severe deterioration of the human rights situation in Afghanistan, especially for women and girls, and requested the OTP to consider the crimes committed against women and girls after the Taliban takeover in 2021. —

Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 Stewart says keeping wine at a low temperature is one of the most effective ways to slow the deterioration of wine once a bottle is opened. —

Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deterioration