Deteriorating: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that is getting progressively worse, typically over time. It is often used in contexts related to health, conditions, or quality.

• His health is deteriorating due to lack of exercise.
• The building is deteriorating because of years of neglect.

Used to describe something that is becoming worse, particularly in a noticeable way. This term is versatile and can be used in various contexts such as health, relationships, or situations.

• The weather is worsening, with heavy rains expected tonight.
• Their relationship is worsening because they don't communicate well.

Often used to indicate a steady downward trend or decrease in quality, quantity, or importance. This term is frequently used in economic, social, and demographic contexts.

• The population of the town has been declining for a decade.
• Sales of the product are declining due to increased competition.

Typically used to describe something that is being reduced to a lower quality, condition, or level. It often has a negative connotation and can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

• The once beautiful park is now degrading into a dumping ground.
• The quality of the water is degrading due to pollution.

This word is often used to describe a gradual process where something becomes worse over time. It is commonly applied to physical conditions, health, or situations that progressively get worse.

• The patient's health is deteriorating despite the treatments.
• The condition of the old building is deteriorating rapidly.

This word describes a situation or condition that becomes more severe or unpleasant. It can apply to many different contexts, such as weather, relationships, or symptoms of an illness.

• The situation is expected to worsen if no immediate action is taken.
• His symptoms began to worsen after he caught a cold.

This word is generally used when referring to a reduction or a decrease in quality, quantity, or importance. It can be used for both abstract and concrete subjects, such as economies, careers, or physical conditions.

• The company's profits have been in decline for the past three years.
• There has been a noticeable decline in his physical abilities.

Degrade is used when referring to something that lowers in quality, status, or condition, often through some form of damage or neglect. It can also be used in a social or moral sense.

• The environment will degrade if we do not take care of it.
• His behavior began to degrade after he lost his job.