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

Synonyms

• debilitation
• decay
• decaying
• declension
• decline
• degeneration
• descent
• ebbing
• enfeeblement
• weakening

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

Exhaustion, brain fog, physical deterioration – long COVID plagues a substantial subset of people who contract the virus. —Julia Daye, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2024

For young people, the most alarming trend is a deterioration in the number of jobs for those just starting out in a career. —Isabella Ward, Fortune Europe, 8 Apr. 2024

Neurovascular systems are also altered slightly, resulting in astronauts frequently experiencing deterioration in postural and locomotor control that can elevate the risk for falls. —Sai Balasubramanian, M.d., J.d., Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Scoville Street, a two-block stretch between 55th and 57th Avenues, is surrounded by signs of deterioration and indifference. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024

Debris on the ground is always a concern for carriers and airports because everything from rocks and loose bits of pavement to excessive rubber build-up can accelerate tread deterioration. —Ryan Erik King / Jalopnik, Quartz, 26 Feb. 2024

Around the same time, officials in Venice, Italy, announced their plans to restore a fading Banksy mural, but critics argued that the piece’s gradual deterioration was part of the artist’s intent. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Feb. 2024

These conditions can lead to memory loss, inability to concentrate, and rapid deterioration of the brain. —Michael Carroll, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

But the fear of gang violence spreading and the deterioration of the country’s economy prompted them to flee to the Dominican Republic. Danielle and Ruth Nesly. —Erika Angulo, NBC News, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see deteriorate

First Known Use

circa 1658, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

deterioration

noun

de·​te·​ri·​o·​ra·​tion di-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən 

: the action or process of deteriorating : the state of having deteriorated

personality deterioration

neurological deterioration