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 The accelerants cure the grout that seals the tunnel’s concrete supports, helping the grout set properly and protecting the work against cracks and other deterioration. Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik, Quartz, 26 Feb. 2024 The monument needs to be regularly stripped of old paint and given a fresh coat to prevent rust and other forms of deterioration. Aurelien Breeden, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2024 And earlier this month, Moody’s delivered Israel’s first ever credit rating downgrade, citing elevated political risk and a deterioration in public finances stemming from the war. Hanna Ziady, CNN, 19 Feb. 2024 The conflict also led to a dramatic deterioration of conditions for Jews in North Africa and the Middle East. TIME, 1 Feb. 2024 Preservation of existing affordable housing is crucial; advocating for policies that protect such housing from physical deterioration and prevent displacement is essential. Hanna Kang, Orange County Register, 31 Jan. 2024 Health-status insurance protects you against any deterioration in your health. John C. Goodman, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 In speaking with farmworkers, Ontiveros has identified labor abuse, lack of enforcement of existing laws, wage theft, horrific housing conditions, deterioration of rural education and little-to-no healthcare for farmworkers. Cathie Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 29 Feb. 2024 The infant was treated for dehydration, heart abnormalities due to dehydration, extreme diaper rash and skin deterioration due to being left in that car for almost three days in his own excrement. Brammhi Balarajan, CNN, 8 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deterioration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near deterioration

Cite this Entry

“Deterioration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deterioration. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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