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

Intervene Intervene means several signals—or one sufficiently consequential event—indicate probable deterioration or unacceptable outcomes. — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Caregivers like Sherwood report mass burnout, financial strain and deterioration of their own physical and mental health from the stress of providing constant care. — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026

The county has been attempting to chip away at its road maintenance backlog for years, but much of its transportation budget has gone toward preventing further deterioration. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026

The book begins unexpectedly with the mental and physical deterioration and eventual death of Orzabal’s late wife, Caroline. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 4 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