deteriorate (C1)

verb

Pronunciation: /dɪˈtɪəriəreɪt/

Definition

To become progressively worse, weaker, or more damaged.

Examples

• The patient's condition began to deteriorate rapidly overnight.

• Without proper maintenance, the car's engine will inevitably deteriorate.

• Years of political instability have caused the country's economy to deteriorate.

How to Use deteriorate

deteriorate into (prepositional phrase)

To gradually become something worse or of a lower standard. — "The peaceful protest began to deteriorate into violence."

Synonyms of deteriorate

Words with a similar meaning to deteriorate:

• worsen
• decline
• decay
• degenerate

Antonyms of deteriorate

Words with the opposite meaning to deteriorate:

• improve
• recover
• strengthen

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