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 of deterioration

• weakening
• decay
• decline
• decaying

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 lull in coverage led to serious deterioration of his condition. — Jason Kane, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026

The film also reflects on how our society views aging, deterioration and death. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

Among other consequences, the professor and others say, the lake’s deterioration has international implications for the 12 million migratory birds that stop here every year. — Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026

The City is aware of deterioration to the pavers surrounding the memorial related to the seawall conditions in this section of the Riverwalk. — Bri Buckley, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see deteriorate

First Known Use

circa 1658, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for deterioration

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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