deteriorate
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become worse or inferior in condition, character, quality, value, etc.
had deteriorated
-
past perfectof deteriorate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Some executives and investors said they perceived that his mental acuity had deteriorated compared with before the stroke.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
The tissue samples maintained much of their total collagen content and surface coverage, even after the coherence of their supramolecular chirality had deteriorated substantially.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 20, 2026
Nuno criticised the speed of their transfer business last summer, fell out with global sporting director Edu and revealed his relationship with Marinakis had deteriorated.
From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026
The Bureau of the Royal Household said in May that her health condition had deteriorated and she was relying on medical devices to support her lung and kidney functions, as well as medication.
From Barron's ● Jun. 12, 2026
Esteban Trueba, who had always found it difficult to express his emotions and had had no access to tenderness ever since his relationship with Clara had deteriorated, transferred all his finest sentiments to Alba.
From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende
