deterioration

American  

[dih-teer-ee-uh-rey-shuhn] / dɪˌtɪər i əˈreɪ ʃən /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nondeterioration noun

Etymology

Origin of deterioration

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

Example Sentences

It would take a clear deterioration in the job market to justify a cut, he said.

From Barron's

Porter says the surging value of gold exports partially masked a deterioration in Canada’s net trade in 2025, as U.S. tariffs weighed on exports.

From The Wall Street Journal

The city's waterworks bureau said in a statement on Thursday that it was grateful for the gold donation and would put it to good use - including tackling the deterioration of water pipes.

From BBC

Several factors explain this sudden deterioration in the demographic forecast.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Desperation and economic deterioration are major factors," Timothy Kaldas, deputy director of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, told AFP.

From Barron's

Related Words

• decline
• degradation
• depreciation
• devaluation
• disintegration
• dislocation
• downturn
• slump
• worsening