deteriorate Definition
- 1to become worse in quality or condition over time
- 2to disintegrate or wear away
Using deteriorate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "deteriorate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The situation is deteriorating rapidly.
Example
The building has been allowed to deteriorate.
Example
Her health has deteriorated since she left the hospital.
deteriorate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with deteriorate
to change from one state to a worse one
Example
The peaceful protest deteriorated into violence.
a decline in physical or mental well-being
Example
His deteriorating health prevented him from traveling.
a relationship that is becoming worse over time
Example
Their deteriorating relationship led to a breakup.
Origins of deteriorate
from Late Latin 'deterioratus', meaning 'made worse'
Summary: deteriorate in Brief
'Deteriorate' [dɪˈtɪəriəreɪt] means to worsen in quality or condition, or to disintegrate or wear away. It can be used to describe situations, buildings, or health, as in 'The situation is deteriorating rapidly.' 'Deteriorate' can also be used in phrases like 'deteriorate into,' which means to change from one state to a worse one, and 'deteriorating health,' which refers to a decline in physical or mental well-being.
