Definitions

deteriorate

[dih-teer-ee-uh-reyt] / dɪˈtɪər i əˌreɪt /

VERB

decay, degenerate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

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

STRONG

adulterate alloy break corrode corrupt debase debilitate decompose deprave descend flag impair injure lapse mar pervert retrograde retrogress rot skid spoil vitiate

WEAK

be worse for wear become worse disimprove go downhill go to pieces go to pot go to the dogs hit the skids lose it lose quality wear away

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approve compliment elevate grow improve increase laud praise raise rise strengthen

STRONG

aid assist build clean cleanse clear cure fix heal help join mend purify put together

WEAK

construct develop get better

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.

It expected the situation "to deteriorate further" and "become unmanageable" as passenger volumes increased towards the summer peak.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

When this transfer process breaks down, nerve fibers begin to deteriorate, Ji explained.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

Caleb Soto, attorney for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, who represents many detainees, said he has watched people deteriorate week by week when he visits them.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

As for when the consumer will finally tire out, many economists expect to see conditions deteriorate later in the second quarter of this year.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

We watch the official presentation deteriorate as it’s peppered with choice shots from the propos.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

Vocabulary lists containing deteriorate

List 3

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

30 GRE Words Beginning with "D"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Fidel Castro (1926-2016) Memorial List

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!