Deteriorate: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when discussing the general worsening or degradation of a condition, quality, or situation over time.

• The quality of the building materials has deteriorated over the years.
• Her health has begun to deteriorate after the accident.

Directly refers to making something worse or becoming worse, often used with health or situations.

• The weather is expected to worsen over the weekend.
• His condition has worsened since the last check-up.

Commonly used when discussing a steady decrease or reduction in the level, quality, or importance of something.

• The company's profits have been in decline for the past three years.
• There has been a significant decline in public trust in the government.

Emphasizes a fall to a worse state, often with the implication of loss of previous good qualities, can have a negative connotation.

• Civilized societies can degenerate into chaos without effective leadership.
• The discussion quickly degenerated into a shouting match.

Often used to describe the gradual process of decomposition or rot, especially in organic matter or structures.

• The old wooden house is slowly decaying.
• Tooth decay can lead to severe dental problems.

This word is often used to describe the gradual worsening of a condition or situation, especially relating to health, quality, or physical state.

• Her health has begun to deteriorate rapidly
• The building started to deteriorate due to years of neglect

This word is used generally to indicate a decrease or reduction in quality, quantity, or importance. It is often used in formal or statistical contexts.

• Sales have declined for three consecutive quarters
• There has been a steady decline in birth rates

This word is used when a situation, condition, or problem becomes more severe or serious. It is common in everyday language.

• The weather is expected to worsen overnight
• If you don't rest, your injury could worsen

This word refers to the reduction of strength or power, and can be used in various contexts, such as physical strength, structures, or influence.

• After the long illness, he began to weaken
• The economic sanctions were designed to weaken the country's economy

Often used to describe the gradual worsening of a condition, quality, or situation, especially over time.

• The old building has started to deteriorate after years of neglect
• Her health continues to deteriorate as the illness progresses

Used to indicate a reduction in physical strength, power, influence, or effectiveness. It can apply to a broad range of contexts including health, structures, and arguments.

• The illness significantly weakened his body
• The storm weakened as it moved inland

Commonly used in geological contexts to describe the gradual wearing away of soil, rock, or land by natural forces like wind and water. It is also used metaphorically to refer to the gradual weakening or destruction of something.

• The coastline is slowly eroding due to constant wave action
• Over time, their trust in each other began to erode

Primarily used to describe the wear and tear of fabric, resulting in threads becoming loose or worn. It can also be used metaphorically to describe strained nerves or relationships.

• The cuffs of his shirt began to fray after years of use
• Tempers started to fray as the meeting dragged on

Used to describe the process by which a solid becomes incorporated into a liquid and forms a solution. It can also mean the disintegration or ending of a formal arrangement.

• The sugar will dissolve quickly in hot water
• The partnership was dissolved due to irreconcilable differences