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Definition of deterioration

deterioration

/dɪˌtɪr.i.əˈreɪ.ʃən/
de · te · ri · o · ra · tion
Plural:deteriorations
•
Adjective:deteriorative
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deterioration Lexical Profile

deterioration Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The process of becoming progressively worse in quality, value, condition, or character; a state of decline or decay.

Example

"Years of neglect and exposure to harsh weather accelerated the structural deterioration of the historic bridge."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for deterioration

• Nearby Words

deter
detergent
deteriorate
deterioration
determinable
determinant
determination

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from French 'détérioration', which derives from Late Latin 'deterioratus', the past participle of 'deteriorare' ('to get worse'), formed from the Latin comparative adjective 'deterior' ('lower, worse, poorer').

Cite this Entry

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