deterioration

noun

de·​te·​ri·​o·​ra·​tion di-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce deterioration (audio)
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
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
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.
They are then transported to the Berkhamsted conservation center, where their condition is examined for deterioration. Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 Nationwide, the ramifications of deportation for these key citizens will affect all of us, which can lead to deterioration of our healthcare system, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home health aides, etc. Rachel Blumberg, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2025 If that requires an all-out effort to diminish the manifestations of your gradual physical deterioration, bless you—go for it. Valerie Monroe, Allure, 2 June 2025 Both sides have been firing unprecedented numbers of drones at each other’s cities, though Russian attacks appear, perhaps due to the deterioration of Ukrainian air defenses, to be more destructive. Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for deterioration

Word History

Etymology

see deteriorate

First Known Use

circa 1658, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deterioration was circa 1658

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deterioration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deterioration. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

deterioration

noun
de·​te·​ri·​o·​ra·​tion di-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce deterioration (audio)
: the action or process of deteriorating : the state of having deteriorated
personality deterioration
neurological deterioration

More from Merriam-Webster on deterioration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!