DETERIORATION Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'deterioration' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deterioration are decadence , decline , and degeneration . While all these words 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

Q: When can 'decadence' be used instead of 'deterioration'?

In some situations, the words decadence and deterioration are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Q: How do 'decline' and 'decadence' relate to one another, in the sense of 'deterioration'?

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

Q: When could 'degeneration' be used to replace 'deterioration'?

The words degeneration and deterioration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression. // the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

deterioration

noun

di-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən

Definition of deterioration next

as in weakening

a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body muscle deterioration resulting from prolonged disuse

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in degradation

a change to a lower state or level a deterioration in the quality of food at that once-thriving restaurant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun deterioration differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deterioration are decadence, decline, and degeneration. While all these words 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

When can decadence be used instead of deterioration?

In some situations, the words decadence and deterioration are roughly equivalent. However, 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

How do decline and decadence relate to one another, in the sense of deterioration?

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

When could degeneration be used to replace deterioration?

The words degeneration and deterioration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of deterioration The European-American company has been struggling with declining sales and high inventories in the U.S. Data releases showed a deterioration in manufacturing sector activity in both the euro zone and the U.K., while the unemployment rate in the European Union remained steady in October. —

Jenni Reid,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 2 Dec. 2024 Their campaign ran for more than 200 days, and Say Nothing realizes the extreme nature of their effort by sticking agonizingly close to the sisters’ deterioration. —

Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024 Provision for credit losses was $5.0 million, up from $3.9 million in the previous year, primarily due to loan growth and deterioration on a specific customer relationship. —

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 Coined as far back as 1854 by Henry David Thoreau in Walden, the idea of mental deterioration from trivial distractions has never been more relevant. —

Mark Travers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deterioration

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterioration

Noun

The effects of ecological degradation, including pollution, habitat destruction and climate change, will be a significant concern for some organizations across industries.

Maureen Metcalf, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Researchers say this rampant accumulation may be occurring because many types of PFAS unleash TFA as a product of their degradation.

Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024