deteriorate
Americanverb (used with or without object)
-
deteriorates,
present (3rd person singular)
-
deteriorated,
past participle, past
-
deteriorating
present participle
-
to make or become worse or inferior in condition, character, quality, value, etc.
- Synonyms:
- worsen, decline, degenerate
-
to disintegrate or wear away.
verb
-
to make or become worse or lower in quality, value, character, etc; depreciate
-
(intr) to wear away or disintegrate
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
deterioratesimple
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deterioratessimple
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have deterioratedperfect
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has deterioratedperfect
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am deterioratingprogressive
-
are deterioratingprogressive
-
is deterioratingprogressive
-
have been deterioratingperfect progressive
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has been deterioratingperfect progressive
Past
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deterioratedsimple
-
had deterioratedperfect
-
was deterioratingprogressive
-
were deterioratingprogressive
-
had been deterioratingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of deteriorate
First recorded in 1565–75; from Late Latin dēteriōrātus “made worse,” past participle of dēteriōrāre “to make worse,” from Latin dēterior “worse,” from dē de- + -ter-, element in adjectives relating to spatial orientation + -ior, comparative suffix; cf. exterior, interior
Explanation
When something gets worse due to neglect or an unfortunate health problem, stuff starts to deteriorate — or fall apart. The word deteriorate describes anytime something gets worse. Due to neglect, a relationship can deteriorate but so can the American highway system. Sadly, there seems to be no end to applications for the word deteriorate. And, the truth is at a certain age we all start deteriorating too.
Vocabulary lists containing deteriorate
List 3
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Fidel Castro (1926-2016) Memorial List
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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.
See Examples For:
The key Chinese car market continues to deteriorate, domestic manufacturing costs remain elevated and U.S. tariffs are hitting profitability.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026
Researchers have known for years that blood vessels in the brain deteriorate as Alzheimer's progresses, especially in people who carry APOE4.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 1, 2026
Your mother needs a plan, assuming her health will continue to deteriorate.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 24, 2026
The property needs “immediate attention,” according to the filing, as it includes perishables that would deteriorate or lose value without attention.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
The cliff is pocked with knobs of jutting rock, some of which deteriorate as soon as I touch them.
From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir
That would mean financial markets are effectively tightening conditions themselves while confidence in the policy response deteriorates.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026
Viewers may scan a QR code for their own copy of the audio track, which deteriorates in sound quality with every download.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2026
"Taeb's appointment also reflects the Iranian establishment's fear of renewed unrest as the economic situation deteriorates, with the Basij likely to play a leading role in quashing future protests," said Brodsky.
From Barron's ● Aug. 20, 2026
One possibility is to protect adipose tissue before it deteriorates, preventing fat cells from disappearing and reducing the metabolic damage caused by the disease.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 26, 2026
Dr Meredith thought about this, then said again: 'If he deteriorates, call me immediately.'
From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro
One measurement, known as T1rho, suggested that cartilage in the inner knee deteriorated more slowly among participants who changed their walking pattern.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 11, 2026
He was placed in isolation while his condition deteriorated.
From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026
The former long-haul truck driver said his health deteriorated so significantly while he was detained that, afterward, he could no longer pass the required physical assessment because of his vision and breathing issues.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026
Washington’s willingness to maintain freedom of the seas, unilaterally or with allies, has deteriorated in recent years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026
Even in his deteriorated state, his snake eyes shine bright and cold.
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
Stacy Meichtry and Chelsey Dulaney report on France’s deteriorating finances and the wild card that could push the country over the edge.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026
The UN has also warned that the deteriorating security situation is severely disrupting humanitarian work in northern Ethiopia.
From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026
Park advocates have long argued that the existing city allocation is inadequate, leaving neighborhoods with decaying recreation centers, deteriorating swimming pools and filthy park bathrooms.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
When credit conditions start deteriorating, I like to “high grade” my portfolio.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 1, 2026
But Ms. W.’s voice was deteriorating at an alarming speed, because now she could only speak in a hoarse whisper, and everybody had to stop with their “please”ing just to hear her.
From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan
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.
