deterioration
noun
Synonyms
- debilitation
- decay
- decaying
- declension
- decline
- degeneration
- descent
- ebbing
- enfeeblement
- weakening
Example Sentences
Michelle Harris, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Sep. 2022 That deterioration gives surrounding nations with human rights issues more breathing room, according to Currie. Fox News, 31 Aug. 2022 There’s an active debate over whether nursing-home deterioration is caused by private-equity acquisition, as senior-care advocates contend, or if private-equity firms tend to acquire homes that are already deteriorating. Yasmin Rafiei, The New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2022 The four buildings have been vacant for decades, with serious deterioration behind the scenes, Indiana Landmarks said. Claire Rafford, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Aug. 2022 But now, after a half decade of unchecked deterioration? Nick Fuller Googins, Men's Health, 17 Aug. 2022 Low socioeconomic status has been found to impact long-term health deterioration and acceleration of aging among seniors. San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2022 There is plenty of blame to go around for the MBTA’s deterioration, even though Baker gets tagged most frequently and vociferously. Larry Edelman, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Aug. 2022 The bipartisan commission, an independent watchdog, issues an annual report on global religious liberty and deterioration of human rights. Adelle M. Banks, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
see deteriorate
circa 1658, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
deterioration
noun
deterioration
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- weakening
- decay
- decline
- decaying
- degeneration
- exhaustion
- debilitation
- ebbing
- atrophy
- enfeeblement
- descent
- declension
- regression
- drooping
- setback
- relapse
- limping
- flagging
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- improvement
- rehabilitation
- recovery
- revitalization
- recuperation
- strengthening
- progress
- comeback
- rally
- rejuvenation
- invigoration
- snapback
- rejuvenescence
Synonyms & Similar Words
- degradation
- decline
- declination
- degeneration
- decrease
- descent
- downfall
- destruction
- decadence
- reduction
- degeneracy
- ebb
- decay
- downgrade
- devolution
- fall
- eclipse
- disintegration
- declension
- dissolution
- loss
- decomposition
- crumbling
- rotting
- drop
- dégringolade
- shrinkage
- spoiling
- diminution
- debasement
- dark age
- depreciation
- breakup
- diminishment
- ruination
- slump
- sunset
- lessening
- dip
- nadir
- decimation
- downturn
- demolition
- lowering
- ruin
- abasement
- deflation
- havoc
- sag
- falloff
- downslide
- decrement
- demolishment
- desolation
- abatement
- downtrend
- slip
- drop-off
- de-escalation
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- development
- growth
- evolution
- rise
- advancement
- restoration
- ascent
- upswing
- flowering
- increase
- renewal
- revitalization
- enhancement
- addition
- blossoming
- flourishing
- gain
- increment
- boost
- accrual
- accretion
- raise
- supplement
- heightening
- augmentation
- addendum
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of deterioration are decadence, decline, and degeneration. While all these words mean "the falling from a higher to a lower level in quality, character, or vitality," deterioration implies generally the impairment of value or usefulness.
In some situations, the words decadence and deterioration are roughly equivalent. However, decadence presupposes a reaching and passing the peak of development and implies a turn downward with a consequent loss in vitality or energy.
Decline differs from decadence in suggesting a more markedly downward direction and greater momentum as well as more obvious evidence of deterioration.
The words degeneration and deterioration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.