deterioration

[dih-teer-ee-uh-rey-shuhn] / dɪˌtɪər i əˈreɪ ʃən /

NOUN

decay, degeneration

Synonyms

STRONGEST

decline degradation depreciation devaluation disintegration dislocation downturn slump worsening

STRONG

abasement adulteration atrophy corrosion debasement decadence declension declination decomposition descent dilapidation disrepair downfall downgrade drop fall lapse lessening perversion retrogression rotting ruin spoiling vitiation

WEAK

crumbling decaying degringolade

Antonyms

STRONGEST

increase

STRONG

ascent development growth improvement rise success upgrade

WEAK

betterment building construction

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.

No other labor-market indicators have shown a deterioration.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

It also comes with fear of a deterioration in quality of life.

From Slate • May 6, 2026

Relatives of jailed Iranian human rights campaigner Narges Mohammadi and the Nobel Peace Prize Committee have called for her to be transferred to adequate medical facilities following a sharp reported deterioration of her health.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

“They’re not supposed to live in social isolation, so you see a lot of behavioral deterioration when they’re not getting out,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Before Kepler had time to make any decision, a deterioration in the religious situation made the decision for him.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin

Vocabulary lists containing deterioration

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

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Tears of a Tiger

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myPerspectives 8.4

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