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.
Several thousand, however, have remained in Ceuta, where the situation has since deteriorated, leading to episodes of violence and almost daily demonstrations by the local population.
From Barron's ● Sep. 14, 2026
His relationship with his alma mater deteriorated after Oct.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
"This is the only way to save your life," he says, because security has deteriorated so much.
From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026
Costs may be worse for home buyers, but the Harvard housing center shows rental affordability has also deteriorated in recent decades.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026
He took a holiday and improved, but on return to work his condition deteriorated.
From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
