deteriorate
verb
de·te·ri·o·rate
di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt 
dē-
deteriorated; deteriorating
1
: to make worse or lower in quality or value : impair
Exposure to sunlight may deteriorate the paint.
2
: to become impaired in quality, functioning, or condition : become gradually worse
allowed a tradition of academic excellence to deteriorate
His health deteriorated.
Examples of deteriorate in a Sentence
efforts to save a deteriorating rain forest
Exposure to rain and sun will gradually deteriorate the paint.
Recent Examples on the Web
Her brother, Robert Watson, told the outlet that she had been hospitalized and her condition deteriorated.
—
Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
For weeks, though, the plan has been stuck in phase one, despite the White House’s claims that the transition to the next phase is imminent, and Gaza has continued to deteriorate under conditions the ceasefire was meant to end.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2025
Authorities have warned that current conditions — including a harsh drought season, deteriorated forest infrastructure and large amounts of combustible vegetation — could significantly worsen the fire season between January and May, particularly in the western province of Pinar del Río.
—Maykel González, Miami Herald, 28 Dec. 2025
Sunlight can deteriorate fabric over time and cause yellowing.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deteriorate
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Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
For weeks, though, the plan has been stuck in phase one, despite the White House’s claims that the transition to the next phase is imminent, and Gaza has continued to deteriorate under conditions the ceasefire was meant to end.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2025
Authorities have warned that current conditions — including a harsh drought season, deteriorated forest infrastructure and large amounts of combustible vegetation — could significantly worsen the fire season between January and May, particularly in the western province of Pinar del Río.
—Maykel González, Miami Herald, 28 Dec. 2025
Sunlight can deteriorate fabric over time and cause yellowing.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deteriorate
Cite this Entry
“Deteriorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deteriorate. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deteriorate
verb
de·te·ri·o·rate
di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt
deteriorated; deteriorating
1
: to make or become worse or of less value : degenerate
deterioration
noun
-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən
Medical Definition
deteriorate
intransitive verb
de·te·ri·o·rate
di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt
deteriorated; deteriorating
: to become impaired in quality, functioning, or condition : degenerate
her health deteriorated
deteriorating vision
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