deterioration

[dɪˌtɪəriəˈreɪʃən]

deterioration Definition

• 1. the process of becoming progressively worse
• 2. the state of being in disrepair or ruin

Using deterioration: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "deterioration" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The deterioration of the building was due to years of neglect.

• Example

  The patient's health showed signs of deterioration.

• Example

  The company's financial situation continued to show deterioration.

• Example

  The quality of the product has suffered from deterioration over time.

deterioration Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for deterioration

• degradation
• decay
• degeneration
• dilapidation
• decline

Antonyms for deterioration

• improvement
• enhancement

Idioms Using deterioration

• on the road to deterioration

  in a state of decline or worsening

  Example

  If we don't take action soon, our economy will be on the road to deterioration.

• slippery slope of deterioration

  a gradual decline that can lead to a much worse situation

  Example

  The company's financial problems were a slippery slope of deterioration that eventually led to bankruptcy.

• point of no return

  a critical point beyond which it is impossible to reverse a process or situation

  Example

  The deterioration of the environment has reached a point of no return.

Phrases with deterioration

• mental deterioration

  a decline in cognitive function, often associated with aging or neurological disorders

  Example

  The patient's mental deterioration was a cause for concern.

• physical deterioration

  a decline in physical health or condition, often associated with aging or disease

  Example

  The athlete's physical deterioration was evident in his performance.

• moral deterioration

  a decline in ethical or moral standards or behavior

  Example

  The community was concerned about the moral deterioration of its youth.

Origins of deterioration

from Late Latin 'deterioratio', meaning 'worsening'

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Summary: deterioration in Brief

The term 'deterioration' [dɪˌtɪəriəˈreɪʃən] refers to the process of becoming progressively worse or the state of being in disrepair or ruin. It can describe physical, mental, or moral decline, as in 'The patient's health showed signs of deterioration.' 'Deterioration' also appears in idioms like 'on the road to deterioration,' indicating a gradual decline, and 'point of no return,' indicating a critical point beyond which reversal is impossible.