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 book begins unexpectedly with the mental and physical deterioration and eventual death of Orzabal’s late wife, Caroline. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 4 Aug. 2026 Apoorvanand says that stance reflects a broader deterioration of democratic norms over the past decade. — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 30 July 2026 The character's physical and spiritual deterioration is part of what drew Nam in. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Many will require a strict diet because their owners would often have fed them the wrong food, weakening an animal's immune system and causing physical deterioration. — ABC News, 29 July 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 5 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of deterioration for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about deterioration

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