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
Analysts expect Chinese policymakers to stand pat on stimulus measures until there are further signs of economic deterioration.
—
Anniek Bao,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 18 May 2026
The 1933 bridge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is being replaced due to extensive deterioration, with public input accepted until June 4.
—Chadd Cripe, Idaho Statesman, 16 May 2026
Prior to this, a leading hypothesis for the connection was that vaccines reduce the risk of dementia directly by preventing infections that can lead to inflammation in the brain, which, over time, could cause deterioration.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
The following month, the Veterans Administration filed a report stating that the Nautilus Veterans Hospital was in a severe state of deterioration, mostly because of the dampness from the sea air, which caused the concrete’s steel rods to rust and give way.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deterioration
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Anniek Bao,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 18 May 2026
The 1933 bridge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is being replaced due to extensive deterioration, with public input accepted until June 4.
—Chadd Cripe, Idaho Statesman, 16 May 2026
Prior to this, a leading hypothesis for the connection was that vaccines reduce the risk of dementia directly by preventing infections that can lead to inflammation in the brain, which, over time, could cause deterioration.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
The following month, the Veterans Administration filed a report stating that the Nautilus Veterans Hospital was in a severe state of deterioration, mostly because of the dampness from the sea air, which caused the concrete’s steel rods to rust and give way.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deterioration
Cite this Entry
“Deterioration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deterioration. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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
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