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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 Despite the employment gains in the state, this news organization’s assessment of the EDD figures hints at a deterioration of the California job market. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2024 Based on the deterioration of the relationship, a trade — as soon as possible — would appear the preferred alternative, particularly with this latest two-game suspension to otherwise put Butler back in play for the Heat as soon as Monday night’s game against the Orlando Magic at Kaseya Center. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025 For women, especially, working could, therefore, be dangerous for them physically and could lead to the deterioration of their health: a result that could adversely affect their roles as mothers and their subsequent responsibility to raise future generations, especially boys. Eva Epker, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 TikTok’s feeds pushed huge amounts of body dysmorphia, prejudice, and alt-right lines of thought—the app has also been a prime suspect in the decline of attention spans, the rise of hyper-consumerism, and the general deterioration of media literacy. Steffi Cao, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for deterioration 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterioration
Noun
  • Trump has ordered his administration to maximize water flows from the delta and expedite potential exemptions to the Endangered Species Act, allowing the Bureau of Reclamation to send more water southward without concern for habitat degradation.
    Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2025
  • When left unchecked, mass tourism can cause environmental and cultural degradation, displace locals, and strain infrastructure and resources.
    Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Antisemitism remains a stark indicator of societal decay.
    Irwin Cotler, TIME, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The presentation included more consistent street lighting, new pottery and trash cans, new wayfinding signage, repairs to uneven sidewalks, and replacements for trees that are showing signs of decay, among other changes.
    Tyler Williams, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The dark clouds have begun to lift at Burberry, which reported a 7 percent decline in third-quarter retail revenue to 659 million pounds, helped by strong sales in the Americas region.
    Samantha Conti, WWD, 24 Jan. 2025
  • That’s all the more important for Champagne producers, as the sector has taken a nosedive in the past few years: Shipments fell 9.2 percent last year, and companies such a Mumm posted double-digit declines in sales during the most recent fiscal year.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Red and declinations to rust and burgundy at Ferragamo and Bottega Veneta.
    WWD, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
  • Thomas said the sheriff's office presented the case to the district attorney's office for declination purposes only because of Suff's prior convictions and death sentence.
    Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 15 Aug. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near deterioration

Cite this Entry

“Deterioration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterioration. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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