deteriorate
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become worse or inferior in condition, character, quality, value, etc.
deteriorated
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past participleof deteriorate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof deteriorate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
deteriorateverb (used with or without object)to make or become worse or inferior in condition, character, quality, value, etc.
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.
Business expectations in particular deteriorated significantly, while companies are less positive about their current business, the Ifo Institute says.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 4, 2026
The results suggest that tropical and subtropical regions remained suitable for crocodile relatives after the asteroid struck, even as the environments available to many dinosaurs deteriorated.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 30, 2026
The pair took part in a final televised debate on Friday, during which they mostly focused on policy proposals after a first debate that quickly deteriorated into a barrage of insults.
From Barron's ● Oct. 24, 2026
He added that around May and June 2022, his mother's health "deteriorated".
From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2026
As days turned into weeks and the likelihood of finding Father deteriorated, our situation became increasingly desperate.
From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson
