deterioration

noun

de·​te·​ri·​o·​ra·​tion di-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce deterioration (audio)
dē-
Synonyms 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 of deterioration

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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
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.
The study showed buildings with uneven floors and deterioration in utility corridors for heating, cooling and plumbing lines. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026 The dispute comes amid a broader deterioration in Israel's relations with several European governments. — Dov Lieber, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 The deterioration in ties has simmered for nearly two years, raising fears that Washington may take more economically damaging steps after imposing visa restrictions on unnamed South African officials last month. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026 But its deterioration is a profound a priori, one that can only be partially forestalled. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deterioration

Word History

Etymology

see deteriorate

First Known Use

circa 1658, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deterioration was circa 1658

Rhymes for deterioration

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Browse Nearby Words

deteriorated into
deterioration
deteriorationist
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Cite this Entry

“Deterioration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deterioration. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

deterioration

noun
de·​te·​ri·​o·​ra·​tion di-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce deterioration (audio)
: the action or process of deteriorating : the state of having deteriorated
personality deterioration
neurological deterioration

More from Merriam-Webster on deterioration

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about deterioration

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