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.

Based on the deterioration of the relationship, a trade — as soon as possible — would appear the preferred alternative, particularly with this latest two-game suspension to otherwise put Butler back in play for the Heat as soon as Monday night’s game against the Orlando Magic at Kaseya Center. —

Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025 For women, especially, working could, therefore, be dangerous for them physically and could lead to the deterioration of their health: a result that could adversely affect their roles as mothers and their subsequent responsibility to raise future generations, especially boys. —

Eva Epker, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 TikTok’s feeds pushed huge amounts of body dysmorphia, prejudice, and alt-right lines of thought—the app has also been a prime suspect in the decline of attention spans, the rise of hyper-consumerism, and the general deterioration of media literacy. —

Steffi Cao, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2025 In many ways, my own career has followed the deterioration of our information markets. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for deterioration