deteriorate

verb

de·te·ri·o·rate | \ di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt

, dē-\

deteriorated; deteriorating

Definition of deteriorate

transitive verb

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

2 : disintegrate

intransitive verb

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

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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

At the time of Ronnie’s death, the New York Times reported his band Heaven and Hell had canceled its summer tour because of his deteriorating health. — Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, "Ronnie James Dio's widow says it was 'very difficult' sending his possessions to auction: 'Some of the shirts still smell of him'," 19 Sep. 2018 His departure follows that of Mr. Marchionne, who was replaced as CEO over the weekend because of deteriorating health. — Chester Dawson, WSJ, "Top Fiat Chrysler Executive Alfredo Altavilla to Leave in Wake of CEO Change," 23 July 2018 The houses have been vacant for many years and are deteriorating. — Nancy Trejos, USA TODAY, "These are the USA's 11 most endangered historic places," 26 June 2018 Billionaire David Koch is stepping down from running his conservative political empire because of deteriorating health. — David Rovella, Bloomberg.com, "Your Evening Briefing," 5 June 2018 Due to his deteriorating health, Ploetz stopped teaching in 2009. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Analyzing Ploetz v. NCAA, the First Legal Battle Over CTE to Reach Trial," 26 Apr. 2018 Ahlquist said his decision to leave Gardner was not the result of deteriorating relationships with other leaders at Gardner, a Salt Lake City development company founded by Kem C. Gardner, its CEO. — Sven Berg, idahostatesman, "Developer Tommy Ahlquist jumping to a new company," 22 June 2018 The company expects its profit to continue deteriorating this year. — Michael Rapoport, WSJ, "Key Brands Pay Price of Kraft Heinz Cost-Cutting," 22 Feb. 2019 Mickelson poured it on, showing his skills have not deteriorated a bit at age 48, controlling spin beautifully to back pin positions. — Doug Ferguson, The Seattle Times, "Mickelson beats everyone but the dark at Pebble," 11 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deteriorate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.