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Deterioration: meaning, definitions and examples

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deterioration

 

[ dɪˌtɪərɪəˈreɪʃn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in weather conditions

The process of becoming progressively worse. It can refer to the quality, condition, or state of something deteriorating over time.

Synonyms

decay, decline, degeneration, degradation

Examples of usage

  • The deterioration of the weather led to flooding in the area.
  • The rapid deterioration of the road surface made driving dangerous.
  • The deterioration of the building's structure was evident in the cracks appearing in the walls.
Context #2 | Noun

in health

The process of something becoming progressively worse, especially in terms of health or well-being.

Synonyms

decline, degeneration, worsening

Examples of usage

  • The patient's condition showed signs of deterioration overnight.
  • Long-term smoking can lead to the deterioration of lung function.
  • The deterioration of mental health can have serious consequences.
Context #3 | Noun

general

The act or process of deteriorating. The state or condition of having deteriorated.

Synonyms

decline, degradation, worsening

Examples of usage

  • The deterioration of the relationship between the two countries was a cause for concern.
  • The gradual deterioration of the old photographs made it hard to see the details.
  • Neglect can lead to the deterioration of a property over time.

Translations

Translations of the word "deterioration" in other languages:

🇵🇹 deterioração

🇮🇳 बिगाड़

🇩🇪 Verschlechterung

🇮🇩 penurunan

🇺🇦 погіршення

🇵🇱 pogorszenie

🇯🇵 悪化 (akka)

🇫🇷 détérioration

🇪🇸 deterioro

🇹🇷 bozulma

🇰🇷 악화 (akhwa)

🇸🇦 تدهور

🇨🇿 zhoršení

🇸🇰 zhoršenie

🇨🇳 恶化 (èhuà)

🇸🇮 poslabšanje

🇮🇸 versnun

🇰🇿 нашарлау

🇬🇪 დარღვევის

🇦🇿 pisləşmə

🇲🇽 deterioro

Etymology

The word 'deterioration' comes from the Latin word 'deteriorare', which means 'to make worse'. It first appeared in English in the early 16th century. The concept of deterioration is often used in various fields such as weather, health, relationships, and more, to describe the process of something declining or becoming worse over time.

See also: deteriorated, deteriorating, deteriorative.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,583 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.