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.

The economist expects households’ real income to deteriorate further as inflation worsens, driven by supply shortages.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

It is not known whether this played any role in Maresca's departure, but the relationship continued to further deteriorate over a number of issues, including medical staff and team selections.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

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

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

“Market gets pushed to extremes, economic conditions deteriorate rapidly, as a result we get economic contraction,” LaRose said.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

At the same time, people began to move out of the old row houses in East and West Baltimore, as those began to deteriorate as well.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell

Vocabulary lists containing deteriorate

List 3

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