deteriorate

[dih-teer-ee-uh-reyt] / dɪˈtɪər i əˌreɪt /

VERB

decay, degenerate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

crumble decline degrade depreciate disintegrate ebb fade fail fall apart languish lessen lower regress sink slide undermine weaken worsen

STRONG

adulterate alloy break corrode corrupt debase debilitate decompose deprave descend flag impair injure lapse mar pervert retrograde retrogress rot skid spoil vitiate

WEAK

be worse for wear become worse disimprove go downhill go to pieces go to pot go to the dogs hit the skids lose it lose quality wear away

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approve compliment elevate grow improve increase laud praise raise rise strengthen

STRONG

aid assist build clean cleanse clear cure fix heal help join mend purify put together

WEAK

construct develop get better

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Arab mediators working to restart talks between the two sides said they feared the situation would deteriorate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

KGM’s extensive use of these products, as she and her lawyers argued, caused her mental health to deteriorate.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

After she didn’t return to the den for several days and her cub’s condition started to dangerously deteriorate, the Department of Fish and Wildlife authorized the park service to intervene and rescue him.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

“The rise in oil price will likely deteriorate the terms of trade for many of the Asian economies,” Lui says.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

“It is time to call a halt to the practice of allowing houses to deteriorate while building further houses which are then allowed to deteriorate,” argued the organization.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Vocabulary lists containing deteriorate

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