deteriorate

[ dih-teer-ee-uh-reyt ]

verb (used with or without object)

, de·te·ri·o·rat·ed, de·te·ri·o·rat·ing.

1. to make or become worse or inferior in condition, character, quality, value, etc.

   Synonyms: worsen, decline, degenerate

2. to disintegrate or wear away.

deteriorate

/ dɪˈtɪərɪəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to make or become worse or lower in quality, value, character, etc; depreciate
2. intr to wear away or disintegrate

Derived Forms

• deˈteriorative, adjective
• deˌterioˈration, noun

Other Words From

• de·te·ri·o·ra·tive adjective
• un·de·te·ri·o·rat·ed adjective
• un·de·te·ri·o·ra·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deteriorate¹

First recorded in 1565–75; from Late Latin dēteriōrātus “made worse,” past participle of dēteriōrāre “to make worse,” from Latin dēterior “worse,” from dē de- + -ter-, element in adjectives relating to spatial orientation + -ior, comparative suffix; exterior, interior

Word History and Origins

Origin of deteriorate¹

C16: from Late Latin dēteriōrāre, from Latin dēterior worse

Example Sentences

A large coalition of aid groups with employees on the ground in Gaza said that not only had humanitarian conditions not improved, they had deteriorated as well.

From Los Angeles Times

Even though the film hasn't been released yet, Sahra believes the situation in Afghanistan has already deteriorated to the point where it would be impossible to make if she started now.

From BBC

Dr. Sasse cited his wife’s deteriorating health as the reason for his departure.

From New York Times

Scans show that has caused her bone density to deteriorate.

From BBC

However, two weeks after he was admitted, Mr Trolan's condition deteriorated and he experienced temperature spikes and a rapid heart rate.

From BBC

Related Words

• crumble
• decline
• degrade
• depreciate
• disintegrate
• ebb
• fade
• fail
• fall apart
• languish
• lessen
• lower
• regress
• sink
• slide
• undermine
• weaken
• worsen