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

The decline has been broadly felt, with all major advanced economies, including the U.S., and most major emerging-market economies seeing deterioration in their outlook. ... — Josh Zumbrun, WSJ, "IMF Cuts 2019 Global Growth Outlook," 9 Apr. 2019 The other trial, a larger trial with a placebo control, confirmed this result and showed no deterioration in the drug group during the 12 months of study. — Christian Holscher, CNN, "New approach to Alzheimer's fight: Diabetes drugs," 15 June 2018 The Lexus owner’s manual says to use only genuine Toyota ATF Type T-IV and that using other ATF may cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up the trans accompanied by vibration and ultimately damage. — Bob Weber, chicagotribune.com, "What is the point of front license plates?," 3 June 2018 The December 2015 abduction highlighted the security deterioration in Libya since the 2011 uprising. — Fox News, "Libyan authorities find remains of children abducted in 2015," 8 Apr. 2018 The most severe of these negative effects include the deterioration of weight-bearing bones and muscles. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Scientists Want to Pay Someone $19,000 to Lie Down For Two Months," 29 Mar. 2019 The recent deterioration in the bureau’s relationship with Congress is shocking. — Thomas J. Baker, WSJ, "The FBI’s Shocking Disrespect for Congress," 10 May 2018 The growth backdrop should be the primary focus -- and a recent deterioration in macro indicators is unlikely to build on itself, while bonds are looking overbought. — Joanna Ossinger, Bloomberg.com, "JPMorgan Sees Market Overcoming Stock Rout, But Beware Trade War," 25 Mar. 2018 The West must therefore find ways to continue to stay engaged to, at a minimum, forestall a further deterioration. — Bill Richardson, Time, "Bill Richardson: How the West Can Help Fix the Rohingya Crisis," 15 Feb. 2018

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.