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deterioration

noun
de·​te·​ri·​o·​ra·​tion | \ di-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce deterioration (audio) , dē-\

Definition of deterioration

: 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 & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about deterioration

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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

 These include pneumonia, hearing loss, tracheal infections, and a very rare brain disease called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, which causes intellectual deterioration seven to 10 years after measles exposure. — Amanda Macmillan, Health.com, "So There's a Measles Outbreak Near You. How Worried Should You Be?," 5 Sep. 2019 But the recent deterioration was not inevitable, even after the riot. — The Economist, "How to fix Baltimore," 1 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deterioration.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of deterioration

circa 1658, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for deterioration

see deteriorate

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More Definitions for deterioration

deterioration

noun
How to pronounce deterioration (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of deterioration

: the act or process of becoming worse

See the full definition for deterioration in the English Language Learners Dictionary

deterioration

noun
de·​te·​ri·​o·​ra·​tion | \ di-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce deterioration (audio) \

Medical Definition of deterioration

: the action or process of deteriorating : the state of having deteriorated personality deterioration neurological deterioration

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More from Merriam-Webster on deterioration

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with deterioration

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for deterioration

Spanish Central: Translation of deterioration

Nglish: Translation of deterioration for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of deterioration for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about deterioration

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