deteriorate
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become worse or inferior in condition, character, quality, value, etc.
was deteriorating
-
past progressiveof deteriorate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Firas Zreeg, 37, told AFP while weaving through a crowded supermarket that the economy was deteriorating, blaming currency speculators for the fall in the dinar, "which has negative repercussions on our daily lives".
From Barron's ● Feb. 21, 2026
By 2014 he expressed concern their relationship was deteriorating and so he allegedly sent Alison-Madueke an email calling himself her "true soldier".
From BBC ● Jan. 28, 2026
Musk and President Donald Trump’s relationship was deteriorating.
From Barron's ● Dec. 23, 2025
Doctors in Sheffield informed her that her kidney function was deteriorating slowly and she would need medication, dialysis and ultimately a transplant.
From BBC ● Dec. 2, 2024
Morale was deteriorating and it was all Yossarian’s fault.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
