Definitions

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.

Unable to sleep after a traumatic birth in 2024, Lizzy quickly deteriorated into a state of psychosis - a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause hallucinations, severe insomnia and paranoia.

From BBC

If one deteriorates, the other is almost certain to do so as well, with deleterious consequences.

From Barron's

As plant tissue breaks down and cells stop functioning, chlorophyll gradually deteriorates.

From Science Daily

The schoolboy friends' relationship had deteriorated and they were rarely seen together, usually travelling separately to corporate events.

From BBC

deteriorate

Example Sentences

Related Words