deteriorate

verb

de·​te·​ri·​o·​rate di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt How to pronounce deteriorate (audio)
dē-
deteriorated; deteriorating

transitive verb

1
: to make inferior in quality or value : impair
Exposure to sunlight may deteriorate the paint.
2

intransitive verb

: to become impaired in quality, functioning, or condition : degenerate
allowed a tradition of academic excellence to deteriorate
his health deteriorated
deteriorative adjective

Examples of deteriorate in a Sentence

efforts to save a deteriorating rain forest Exposure to rain and sun will gradually deteriorate the paint.
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.
The designation reflects the deteriorating relations between the United States and one of its closest Latin American allies. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2025 As Sweet noted, elevated inflation and deteriorating labor market conditions typically call for conflicting monetary responses. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 Remodels stall, menu updates fall flat, and guest experience deteriorates. Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025 The women contend both men are of advanced age and that Powell’s health is deteriorating. Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deteriorate

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin deterioratus, past participle of deteriorare, from Latin deterior worse, from de- + -ter (suffix as in Latin uter which of two) + -ior (comparative suffix) — more at whether entry 2, -er

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deteriorate was in 1572

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deteriorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deteriorate. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

deteriorate

verb
de·​te·​ri·​o·​rate di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt How to pronounce deteriorate (audio)
deteriorated; deteriorating
1
: to make or become worse or of less value : degenerate
2
deterioration
-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən
noun
deteriorative adjective

Medical Definition

deteriorate

intransitive verb
de·​te·​ri·​o·​rate di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt How to pronounce deteriorate (audio)
deteriorated; deteriorating
: to become impaired in quality, functioning, or condition : degenerate
her health deteriorated
deteriorating vision

More from Merriam-Webster on deteriorate

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