deterioration

noun

di-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce deterioration (audio)
Definition of deteriorationnext
1
as in weakening
a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body muscle deterioration resulting from prolonged disuse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in degradation
a change to a lower state or level a deterioration in the quality of food at that once-thriving restaurant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun deterioration differ from other similar words?

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.

the deterioration of the house through neglect

When can decadence be used instead of deterioration?

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.

cited love of luxury as a sign of cultural decadence

How do decline and decadence relate to one another, in the sense of deterioration?

Decline differs from decadence in suggesting a more markedly downward direction and greater momentum as well as more obvious evidence of deterioration.

the meteoric decline of his career after the scandal

When could degeneration be used to replace deterioration?

The words degeneration and deterioration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of deterioration Their decaying carcasses led to the rapid deterioration of water quality and an explosion of harmful bacteria, researchers said. —Lauren Liebhaber september 5, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025 Other issues with rotting, sagging and deterioration were present in other buildings, according to the inspections. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2025 In addition to this, using excessive water or harsh chemical cleaners can then lead to moisture accumulation around window seals, which can potentially cause mould growth or deterioration of the frame around the windows. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025 This deterioration is frequently linked with strenuous lifting, straining while defecating, and prolonged sitting. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deterioration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterioration
  1. weakening
  2. degradation
  3. decay
  4. decline
  5. declination
Noun
  • Those trades were made ahead of Friday’s big jobs report for August, which showed the labor market weakening.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Within 24 hours, the storm was expected to begin a slow weakening.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of weakening
Noun
  • That prospect creates tremendous angst among activists who worry about the degradation of storage canisters over time.
    — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The research shows that the batteries generate heat under high-load conditions to counteract performance degradation, a finding intended to create more resilient energy storage systems.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
Definition of degradation
Noun
  • Exposure to warm, humid air and bugs in the outdoors will speed up the decay even more.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The quest has led us down many theoretically interesting avenues, spawning ideas like extra dimensions, supersymmetry, proton decay, string theory, and many others.
    — Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of decay
Noun
  • Chinese authorities said that headline CPI had slipped into negative territory largely due to the high-base last year and lower food prices, while crediting the narrower decline in producer prices in part to Beijing's efforts in regulating the excessive price competition.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Apple—which topped the World’s Best Companies list in 2024—is notably absent this year due to a decline in revenue from 2022 to 2024, which many Wall Street analysts have postulated could be due to the company falling behind on AI.
    — Charlotte Hu, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of decline
Noun
  • On those three dates, variations in the moon's position relative to Earth's equator — particularly its declination — can influence tidal forces that subtly affect Earth's rotation rate.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Where corporate criminal investigations resolve without filing any criminal charges (through a declination or deferred prosecution agreement), companies should expect victims to still voice their views loudly to the Justice Department and beyond.
    — Lisa Zornberg, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Definition of declination

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deterioration
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Cite this Entry

“Deterioration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterioration. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on deterioration

Nglish: Translation of deterioration for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about deterioration

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