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 ) ( see deteriorate) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

If something is in a state of deterioration, it's getting worse. A crumbling old house with a caved-in roof and foot-tall weeds growing through the deck is going through deterioration. Deterioration implies that things are falling apart: something once in good condition is now weakened, worn out, or otherwise in decline. Things often undergo deterioration because of neglect. Time also has a lot to do with deterioration. Museum curators are always worried about stopping the deterioration of their prized antiquities, like the ancient Egyptian mummies that should not be exposed to air.

Example Sentences

Rather, bond yields tend to jump when there is a major change in a country’s tax and spending policies or a deterioration in its economic outlook.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

In July 2024, John reported a sudden deterioration in his health - a day before a scheduled court assessment.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Advanced Micro Devices and Rambus are beginning to show signs of technical deterioration as traders watch key support levels closely.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Scientists in Norway have now identified a process that may be speeding up their deterioration.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

Yet genetic deterioration through man-made agents is the menace of our time, “the last and greatest danger to our civilization.”

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

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