deterioration

noun

Pronunciation: /dɪˌtɪəriəˈreɪʃən/

Definition

The process of becoming progressively worse, weaker, or less valuable.

Examples

• The patient's condition showed rapid deterioration over the next few days.

• We are concerned about the deterioration of the environment in this region.

• Years of neglect led to the deterioration of the historic monument.

How to Use deterioration

deterioration of (prepositional phrase)

The process of worsening applied to a specific thing. — "The study focused on the rapid deterioration of the patient's eyesight."

signs of deterioration (collocation)

Observable indications that something is getting worse. — "Doctors noted the first signs of deterioration in his mental health."

Synonyms of deterioration

Words with a similar meaning to deterioration:

• decline
• decay
• degeneration
• impairment

Antonyms of deterioration

Words with the opposite meaning to deterioration:

• improvement
• enhancement
• progress

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary