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Definition of deteriorate

deteriorate

/dɪˈtɪr.i.ə.reɪt/
de · te · ri · o · rate
Adjective:deteriorative
•
Past Simple:deteriorated
•
Past Participle:deteriorated
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Present Participle:deteriorating
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deteriorate Lexical Profile

deteriorate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To become progressively worse in quality, value, condition, or character.

Example

"Without regular maintenance, the historic wooden bridge began to deteriorate rapidly in the damp climate."

2

To make something inferior in quality or value; to impair or corrupt.

Example

"Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and humidity can deteriorate the delicate pigments of the painting."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for deteriorate

• Nearby Words

detention
deter
detergent
deteriorate
deterioration
determinable
determinant

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Late Latin deterioratus, the past participle of deteriorare ('to make or get worse'), derived from the Latin comparative adjective deterior ('worse, lower'), from the preposition de ('down').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Deteriorate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/deteriorate
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