1
2

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun deterioration differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deterioration are decadence, decline, and degeneration. While all these words 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

When can decadence be used instead of deterioration?

In some situations, the words decadence and deterioration are roughly equivalent. However, 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

How do decline and decadence relate to one another, in the sense of deterioration?

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

When could degeneration be used to replace deterioration?

The words degeneration and deterioration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deterioration After a series of leak repairs, both roofs were evaluated in 2024 and found to have significant deterioration, according to a staff report about the project. R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025 Once a display of fine Dutch craftsmanship and cutting-edge marine engineering, Phi is now uninsured, no longer in class, and showing signs of deterioration, including weather damage and scaffolding on deck. India Brown, Robb Report, 29 July 2025 Revs +6%, net income +11% The primary concern has been rapid deterioration in sales of Eylea, which accounts for roughly a third of Regeneron’s sales. Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 As for earnings, last time around, management baked in the assumption of economic deterioration and recessionary conditions. Kevin Stankiewicz,zev Fima, CNBC, 27 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for deterioration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterioration
Noun
  • Once opened, maple syrup should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent mold growth and flavor degradation.
    Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Suppression repair is a critical part of firefighting efforts, to reduce erosion and soil degradation in the areas used in the firefighting efforts.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The organization sought help from city and private agencies, banks, philanthropies and local businesses to rescue a community that had become a national symbol of urban decay.
    Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
  • The study presents keratin as an eco-friendly, biomimetic alternative to traditional fluoride treatments, which can only slow decay, but not reverse it.
    Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The modest share price increase to A$42 came despite a decline in the company’s net profit from $13.7 billion to $10.2 billion in the 12 months to June 30.
    Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Black bear sightings on the rise Similar to bobcats, the black bear population is on the rise after experiencing a population decline in the 1800s due to hunting and habitat loss.
    Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Where corporate criminal investigations resolve without filing any criminal charges (through a declination or deferred prosecution agreement), companies should expect victims to still voice their views loudly to the Justice Department and beyond.
    Lisa Zornberg, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • The changing declination also defines the daily arc that the sun takes across the sky, thereby accounting for the length of daylight.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deterioration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterioration. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deterioration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!