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.

The economist expects households’ real income to deteriorate further as inflation worsens, driven by supply shortages.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

No, argue strategists at JPMorgan, who offer this chart showing that net equity issuance will only modestly deteriorate due to a wave of stock buybacks.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

While the Strabane man has been on the waiting list, his left knee started to deteriorate and needs replaced, which, he said, is "another hurdle" he will have to cross.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

When this transfer process breaks down, nerve fibers begin to deteriorate, Ji explained.

From Science Daily • May 24, 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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