deterioration
noun
de·te·ri·o·ra·tion
di-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən 
dē-
: the action or process of becoming impaired or inferior in quality, functioning, or condition : the state of having deteriorated
rust deterioration
the deterioration of academic standards
Examples of deterioration in a Sentence
the gradual deterioration of the weather
a deterioration of academic standards
Recent Examples on the Web
Most of the time, the summer slide—in other words, the deterioration of intellectual skills gained during the school year, during a period when kids are on breaks—is associated with a student’s reading skills, says Alexander.
—
Sherri Gordon, Parents, 25 June 2025
The disease causes deterioration of nerve cells in the brain, a process that sets off a series of worsening symptoms.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2025
Voting along ideological lines is viewed aspart of the deterioration of the public's confidence in the nation's highest court.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Among them: a deterioration in friendship networks (especially among men) along with a corresponding rise in rates of depression and anxiety among many different age groups.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterioration
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sherri Gordon, Parents, 25 June 2025
The disease causes deterioration of nerve cells in the brain, a process that sets off a series of worsening symptoms.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2025
Voting along ideological lines is viewed aspart of the deterioration of the public's confidence in the nation's highest court.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Among them: a deterioration in friendship networks (especially among men) along with a corresponding rise in rates of depression and anxiety among many different age groups.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterioration
Cite this Entry
“Deterioration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deterioration. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
deterioration
noun
de·te·ri·o·ra·tion
di-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən
: the action or process of deteriorating : the state of having deteriorated
personality deterioration
neurological deterioration
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share