deterioration — the process of becoming progressively worse
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the process of becoming progressively worse
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˌtɪriəˈreɪʃən/
Example Sentences
- The pizza left in my fridge for a month showed clear signs of deterioration - it had grown its own ecosystem!
- The deterioration of his relationship with coffee began when he switched to decaf.
- Environmental deterioration has become a global concern requiring immediate action.
deterioration
NOUN[/dɪˌtɪriəˈreɪʃən/]
the process of becoming progressively worse

The old bridge shows clear deterioration after decades of harsh weather.

Each generation needs preparation to stop deterioration
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Deterioration derives from Latin deteriorior (worse, more inferior), which itself comes from deterior (bad, inferior). The word originally conveyed the sense of declining into a worse condition or state.
Breakdown
de- (down, away) + -terior (worse, inferior) + -ation (state or process of). The Latin root deterior combines de- with a comparative form suggesting descent into an inferior condition.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The pizza left in my fridge for a month showed clear signs of deterioration - it had grown its own ecosystem!”
“The deterioration of his relationship with coffee began when he switched to decaf.”
“Environmental deterioration has become a global concern requiring immediate action.”
“The doctor was concerned about the patient's cognitive deterioration.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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