What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decompensating
Example
The patient is decompensating and needs immediate medical attention. [decompensating: verb]
Example
The stress of the job caused him to start decompensating mentally. [decompensating: gerund or present participle]
deteriorating
Example
The building's infrastructure is deteriorating due to lack of maintenance. [deteriorating: present participle]
Example
Her health has been deteriorating for months, and she needs medical attention. [deteriorating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deteriorating is more commonly used than decompensating in everyday language. Deteriorating is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while decompensating is more specific to medical or mental health contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between decompensating and deteriorating?
Both decompensating and deteriorating are formal words that are typically used in professional or technical contexts, such as medicine, psychology, or engineering.
