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View synonyms for

deteriorate

[dih-teer-ee-uh-reyt]

verb (used with or without object)

deteriorated, deteriorating 
  1. to make or become worse or inferior in condition, character, quality, value, etc.

    Synonyms: , ,
  2. to disintegrate or wear away.



deteriorate

/ ɪˈɪəɪəˌɪ /

verb

  1. to make or become worse or lower in quality, value, character, etc; depreciate

  2. (intr) to wear away or disintegrate

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • deteriorative adjective
  • undeteriorated adjective
  • undeteriorative adjective
  • ˈٱǰپ adjective
  • ˌٱˈپDz noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of deteriorate1

First recorded in 1565–75; from Late Latin ŧٱōٳܲ “made worse,” past participle of ŧٱō “to make worse,” from Latin ŧٱǰ “worse,” from ŧ de- + -ter-, element in adjectives relating to spatial orientation + -ior, comparative suffix; exterior, interior
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Word History and Origins

Origin of deteriorate1

C16: from Late Latin ŧٱō, from Latin ŧٱǰ worse
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Jim McMahon has told the House of Commons the council's financial position is "deteriorating rapidly" after a report highlighted concerns about its ability to improve.

From

Unchecked drug abuse and his deteriorating mental condition stalled Wilson’s efforts on The Beach Boys’ next album, "Smile," which he billed as a “teenage symphony to God.”

From

Three toddlers and their mothers are being discharged - back to the community where food is scarce and conditions are deteriorating.

From

On Wednesday, they said that the situation had deteriorated even further, with one juror reportedly threatening him.

From

He lived alone in retirement and over the last decade his health had been deteriorating.

From

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detergentdeteriorating