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 of deterioration

• weakening
• decay
• decline
• decaying

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

Overall, the survey found that renovating homeowners often cite dissatisfaction with the old kitchen’s style as their top motivator at 41 percent, followed by kitchen deterioration or dysfunction as a top motivator (38 percent). —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 19 Jan. 2026

Footage of the bunker’s deterioration has attracted global attention after Robinson and Charlton began posting videos online. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026

It is intended to slow the deterioration of streets that currently are in good condition, which is considered vital to improving the overall condition of San Diego’s network of roads, according to the city. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026

Give all of your furniture a deep clean before winter, as dirt and oils accelerate deterioration. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see deteriorate

First Known Use

circa 1658, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for deterioration

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

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