What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
regressing
Example
The child was regressing in his language skills and began to speak like a younger child. [regressing: verb]
Example
After weeks of therapy, the patient's condition was regressing instead of improving. [regressing: present participle]
deteriorating
Example
The building's condition was deteriorating due to lack of maintenance. [deteriorating: present participle]
Example
The patient's health was deteriorating rapidly, and he needed immediate medical attention. [deteriorating: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deteriorating is more commonly used than regressing in everyday language. Deteriorating is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while regressing is less common and refers to more specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between regressing and deteriorating?
Both regressing and deteriorating are formal words and are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing.
