decompensation

noun

de·​com·​pen·​sa·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən 

-ˌpen-

: loss of physiological or psychological compensation

especially : inability of the heart to maintain adequate circulation

decompensate

(ˌ)dē-ˈkäm-pən-ˌsāt 

-ˌpen-

verb

Examples of decompensation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Those individuals with chronic heart failure could monitor their condition more closely and catch signs of decompensation early — allowing cardiologists to intervene before hospitalization becomes necessary. —Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

This is a treatment for respiratory decompensation (breathing difficulties), but is not as aggressive as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or mechanical ventilation. —Dr. Marc Siegel Fox News, Fox News, 25 Feb. 2025

The decompensation of young people in detention is at least partly because corrections employees aren’t suited to treat behavioral and mental health needs, the report said. —Darcy Costello, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2024

The doctor suggested that Rupard’s psychiatric history and potential for decompensation called for monitoring and treatment — with follow up in six or seven weeks. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2023

Stateless tracks her decompensation through fragmented flashbacks and hallucinations, but Strahovski resists the temptation to go For-Your-Consideration big. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 2 July 2020

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1903, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for decompensation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

decompensation

noun

de·​com·​pen·​sa·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən, -pen- 

: loss of physiological compensation or psychological balance

especially : inability of the heart to maintain adequate circulation