deterioration
Americannoun
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the act or process of deteriorating.
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the state or condition of having deteriorated.
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a gradual decline, as in quality, serviceability, or vigor.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of deterioration
1650–60; < Late Latin dēteriōrātiōn- (stem of dēteriōrātiō ), equivalent to dēteriōrāt ( us ) ( see deteriorate) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
If something is in a state of deterioration, it's getting worse. A crumbling old house with a caved-in roof and foot-tall weeds growing through the deck is going through deterioration. Deterioration implies that things are falling apart: something once in good condition is now weakened, worn out, or otherwise in decline. Things often undergo deterioration because of neglect. Time also has a lot to do with deterioration. Museum curators are always worried about stopping the deterioration of their prized antiquities, like the ancient Egyptian mummies that should not be exposed to air.
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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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.
As these plants became common, the EPA was conflicted on whether they are subject to the Prevention of Significant Deterioration program.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026
Deterioration in Japan's fiscal position could eventually stoke concern about currency depreciation and runaway inflation.
From Reuters • Jan. 12, 2022
Deterioration had penetrated deep into some components, and excavating it could have affected the stability of that part of the structure, according to a report from the engineering firm Morabito Consultants.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 3, 2021
Deterioration of the animals’ hearts and kidneys slowed, and they didn’t sprout tumors until later in their lives.
From Science Magazine • Dec. 22, 2016
Deterioration in the heating value of coal during storage, by H. C. Porter and F. K. Ovitz.
From Engineering Bulletin No 1: Boiler and Furnace Testing by Strohm, Rufus T. (Rufus Tracy)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
