deterioration

[dih-teer-ee-uh-rey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or process of deteriorating.

2. the state or condition of having deteriorated.

3. a gradual decline, as in quality, serviceability, or vigor.

Other Word Forms

• nondeterioration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deterioration¹

1650–60; < Late Latin dēteriōrātiōn- (stem of dēteriōrātiō ), equivalent to dēteriōrāt ( us ) ( deteriorate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

The country has more than 125,000 soldiers, who analysts say suffer from low morale, little training and being poorly equipped given the country’s economic deterioration.

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In recent quarters, JPMorgan and other banks have pointed to signs of greater strain among lower-income consumers, while noting only modest deterioration in overall loan quality.

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If Hamas attempts to control Gaza or refuses to disarm, it could set the ground for a deterioration of the shaky peace.

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“I suspect that Friday’s deterioration caused some further waning in breadth and momentum that likely will give way to a Fall selloff.”

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“I suspect that Friday’s deterioration caused some further waning in breadth and momentum that likely will give way to a Fall selloff.”

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Related Words

• decline 
• degradation 
• depreciation 
• devaluation 
• disintegration 
• dislocation 
• downturn 
• slump 
• worsening www.thesaurus.com