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

• debilitation
• decay
• decaying
• declension
• decline
• degeneration
• descent
• ebbing
• enfeeblement
• weakening

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

Many of your readers are staunchly supporting President Joe Biden, despite his gradual mental deterioration. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2024

Powell has said that an unexpected deterioration in the labor market would prompt the Fed to cut rates sooner than expected since the central bank is mandated by Congress to maximize employment in addition to stabilizing prices. —Bryan Mena, CNN, 9 July 2024

The flood of reports on Biden’s deterioration is another form of the same careerist impulse that led media outlets to soft-pedal his condition in the first place. —Noah Rothman, National Review, 3 July 2024

The Oribe Signature Complex, a combination of watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flowers, works to defend hair follicles from the deterioration of natural keratin, keeping the hair shaft stronger and more resilient. —Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 24 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

see deteriorate

First Known Use

circa 1658, in the meaning defined above

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