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.

Rescuers found the two bodies after conducting a "more thorough" search of two carriages that "were in a severely deteriorated condition", the head of the Civil Guard's investigative unit, Fernando Dominguez, told a news conference.

From Barron's

Likewise the performance against targets for cancer treatment has also deteriorated, with 58.4% of patients starting treatment within 62 days of cancer being suspected.

From BBC

The company wanted to avoid hefty penalties for paying down its debt early, but also not wait too long and run the risk of facing deteriorating market conditions, CFO Brad O’Connor said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Chloe, a toddler and baby sleep coach, said her mental health deteriorated and she was unable to take her antidepressants due to the severe sickness.

From BBC

Despite conservation efforts, global biodiversity is deteriorating quickly, driven by habitat loss, climate change, invasive species and other factors.

From BBC

deteriorate

Example Sentences

Related Words