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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.

After she didn’t return to the den for several days and her cub’s condition started to dangerously deteriorate, the Department of Fish and Wildlife authorized the park service to intervene and rescue him.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Some economists say economic conditions could deteriorate if the nations are still fighting in June or early July.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

This means when fundamentals deteriorate, it’s difficult for the ETFs to meet redemptions quickly enough.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

For longevity seekers like Scott and Chitwood, the reasons behind their pursuit is simple: They see the way older people deteriorate, and they want to ensure they avoid that fate.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

But the situation with law enforcement continued to deteriorate.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.