deterioration

[ dih-teer-ee-uh-rey-shuhn ]

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.

Other Words From

• nonde·teri·o·ration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deterioration¹

1650–60; < Late Latin dēteriōrātiōn- (stem of dēteriōrātiō ), equivalent to dēteriōrāt ( us ) ( deteriorate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

The mainstream press managed to normalize him over the past four years, first by refusing to remind Americans how bad he was while he was in exile as he openly plotted his revenge and then by "sanewashing" his absurd lies and mental deterioration.

From Salon

Part of how a doctor makes the diagnosis is by showing the deterioration from Trump's higher level of functioning to his deterioration across other areas such as his ability to use language, speak and communicate.

From Salon

The rate of Trump's apparent mental and cognitive deterioration is now so rapid that the differences are now week to week, whereas before, the changes were taking place over the decades.

From Salon

Dr. Judy Melinek, a board-certified forensic pathologist, asked, “Why was he left alone and unsupervised after showing severe signs of mental health deterioration?”

From Los Angeles Times

“It's just another reminder of the deterioration that's happening every day. People ask all the time: ‘How long is Titanic going to be there?’

From BBC

Related Words

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