deterioration

noun

de·te·ri·o·ra·tion | \ di-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən

, dē-\

Definition of deterioration

: 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 & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about deterioration

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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

Mangrove protection from cyclones also reduces longer term deterioration of low-lying inland areas with rising sea levels. — Adam Moolna, Quartz India, "How mangroves could protect us from storms like Cyclone Fani," 7 June 2019 For example, long stays in space accelerate bone deterioration—and part of the remedy, per NASA, is resistance training. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "The Tourist's Guide to Space," 12 Mar. 2019 Democrats blame Ryan for prison deterioration Republican lawmakers were supportive of Ryan, blaming the Great Recession for funding cutsthat led to lapses in prison maintenance and repairs. — Kyra Haas, azcentral, "Broken locks at Arizona prison won't be fixed until late 2020, corrections director says," 18 June 2019 Some of the problems included cracked concrete and deterioration. — Tyra Mcclung, courant.com, "Reconstruction of the Kensington Dam in Berlin will help fish and eels," 9 June 2019 Loss of mangrove protection from cyclones then worsens coastal deterioration. Mangroves aren’t only lost to aquaculture, or harvested for wood, however. — Adam Moolna, Quartz India, "How mangroves could protect us from storms like Cyclone Fani," 7 June 2019 One study found that there was no improvement in ADL, with deterioration in mobility, cognition, and performance tests. — James W Vaupel, Quartz, "How long can humans live?," 2 June 2019 In more recent years, the cathedral's façade has suffered serious stains and deterioration from air pollution throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. — Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, "Notre Dame: An In-Depth Look at What Was Lost and What it Will Take to Rebuild," 16 Apr. 2019 The film was returned to its 25-degree Fahrenheit vault, which slows down any deterioration that may continue. — Chuck Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "How Archivists Saved Damaged WWII Film for 'The Cold Blue'," 23 May 2019

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