deteriorate
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become worse or inferior in condition, character, quality, value, etc.
have deteriorated
-
present perfectof deteriorate.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
"Production and supply have deteriorated to the point where it is going to be difficult for the mills to stay open," he said, speaking anonymously because he feared retaliation.
From Barron's ● Jul. 26, 2026
These companies have the expertise to restore oilfields that have deteriorated for a decade under mismanagement and sanctions.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 5, 2026
Films from the 1930s have deteriorated beyond recovery because preservationists cannot digitize them during their copyright protection periods, and many works never emerge from obscurity at all.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 30, 2025
Ties between the neighbours have deteriorated since ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled the pro-democracy uprising and sought refuge in India.
From Barron's ● Dec. 28, 2025
"Our fathers were worse than our grandsires; we have deteriorated from our fathers; our sons will cause us to be lamented."
From Characters and events of Roman History by Frances Lance Ferrero
