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

Their cousin spent days calling out to the world on social media, begging for international intervention to secure the medical evacuation of Al-Dalou’s two sisters, whose condition has continued to deteriorate.

From Salon

The quality of the air can also deteriorate as pollutants build, especially in cities.

From BBC

In filing for its rate increase, State Farm, which also sells auto, commercial and other policies, warned that its financial condition would deteriorate if it was not approved.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, India's relationship with Canada continues to deteriorate with both Delhi and Ottawa firing a salvo of accusations against each other.

From BBC

Our economy as well as our health and personal well-being could deteriorate beyond what many Americans are willing to imagine if Trump is allowed to have power.

From Salon

Related Words

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