deterioration
noun
de·te·ri·o·ra·tion
di-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən 
dē-
: the action or process of becoming impaired or inferior in quality, functioning, or condition : the state of having deteriorated
rust deterioration
the deterioration of academic standards
Synonyms
Examples of deterioration in a Sentence
the gradual deterioration of the weather
a deterioration of academic standards
Recent Examples on the Web
These conditions can lead to memory loss, inability to concentrate, and rapid deterioration of the brain.
—
Michael Carroll, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
But the fear of gang violence spreading and the deterioration of the country’s economy prompted them to flee to the Dominican Republic.
Danielle and Ruth Nesly.
—Erika Angulo, NBC News, 25 Mar. 2024
The effects of these varied forms of environmental deterioration exact a horrific economic and social cost on hundreds of millions of people.
—Ramachandra Guha, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
However, the deterioration in housing affordability has been dramatic.
—Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2024
Residents share with me their deep concerns about irresponsible development, affordable housing, homelessness, and the deterioration of city services.
—Sam Kmack, The Arizona Republic, 10 Feb. 2024
An allergic reaction may become more severe in older adults due to chronic illnesses and the deterioration of organs.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2024
The result: further deterioration of children's mental state and in their learning outcomes.
—Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024
The accelerants cure the grout that seals the tunnel’s concrete supports, helping the grout set properly and protecting the work against cracks and other deterioration.
—Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik, Quartz, 26 Feb. 2024
Michael Carroll, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
But the fear of gang violence spreading and the deterioration of the country’s economy prompted them to flee to the Dominican Republic.
Danielle and Ruth Nesly.
—Erika Angulo, NBC News, 25 Mar. 2024
The effects of these varied forms of environmental deterioration exact a horrific economic and social cost on hundreds of millions of people.
—Ramachandra Guha, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
However, the deterioration in housing affordability has been dramatic.
—Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2024
Residents share with me their deep concerns about irresponsible development, affordable housing, homelessness, and the deterioration of city services.
—Sam Kmack, The Arizona Republic, 10 Feb. 2024
An allergic reaction may become more severe in older adults due to chronic illnesses and the deterioration of organs.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2024
The result: further deterioration of children's mental state and in their learning outcomes.
—Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024
The accelerants cure the grout that seals the tunnel’s concrete supports, helping the grout set properly and protecting the work against cracks and other deterioration.
—Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik, Quartz, 26 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deterioration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near deterioration
Cite this Entry
“Deterioration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deterioration. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
deterioration
noun
de·te·ri·o·ra·tion
di-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən
: the action or process of deteriorating : the state of having deteriorated
personality deterioration
neurological deterioration
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