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.

Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net increased significantly to $937 million from $501 million in the previous year, due to deterioration in residual values and decreased holding periods. —

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024 On Saturday, jurors sat through hours of silent footage showing Allen's mental deterioration at Westville. —

Ron Wilkins, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Nov. 2024 The growth of the DTC channel in the third quarter was also affected by a deterioration in the performance of the direct online channel, across all regions. —

Sofia Celeste, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024 Its combination with olive oil and palm oil was found to be the most resistant to deterioration (most stable).16 4. —

Merve Ceylan, Health, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deterioration