Deteriorate

dih-teer-ee-uh-rayt

/dɪˈtɪr.i.ə.reɪt/

Verb

Meaning

  • Deteriorate means to become worse, weaker, or of lower quality over time.
  • It refers to the gradual decline of something such as health, condition, value, or quality.

Examples

  • Without proper care, the building began to deteriorate rapidly.
  • His health continued to deteriorate after the accident.
  • Relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent years.
  • If you leave the fruits out in the sun, their quality will deteriorate.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms Antonyms
Decline Weaken Worsen Degenerate Erode Diminish Improve Strengthen Enhance Recover Progress Restore

Word Forms

  • Deterioration (noun) – the process of becoming worse
  • Deteriorating (adjective/verb) – becoming worse; declining

Origin / Etymology

From Latin deterior meaning “worse,” combined with the suffix -ate forming a verb. Entered English around the 18th century with the meaning “to make or become worse.”

Grammar Information

  • It is an intransitive verb (does not take a direct object): The situation deteriorated.
  • Often used with phrases like: deteriorate into, deteriorate in, deteriorate over time
  • Common in medical, economic, and environmental contexts.

Translations

  • Hindi: बिगड़ना / खराब होना
  • Tamil: மோசமாகி வருதல்
  • Telugu: క్షీణించటం / దిగజారటం
  • Spanish: deteriorar / empeorar
  • French: se détériorer
  • German: sich verschlechtern
  • Arabic: يتدهور

Idioms & Phrases

  • Deteriorate over time – gradually become worse
  • Deteriorate beyond repair – too damaged to fix
  • Deteriorate in condition – weaken or decline in quality

Related Words

  • Decline
  • Decay
  • Degrade
  • Corrode
  • Breakdown