Deteriorate Meaning
/dɪˈtɪə.ɹɪə.ɹeɪt/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo make worse; to make inferior in quality or value; to impair.
verbTo grow worse; to be impaired in quality; to degenerate.
Sentence Examples
The situation may deteriorate at any time.
Tom's and Mary's relationship continued to deteriorate.
Liz's son's behaviour started to deteriorate when he started secondary school.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
Without proper maintenance, the old building will ____ over time.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The situation may ____ at any time.
Word Origin & History
Learned borrowing from Late Latin dēteriorātus, perfect passive participle of Late Latin dēteriorō (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), further from Latin dēterior (“worse”). Cognate with French détériorer.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The art of war, like every other art, ecclesiastical architecture alone excepted, was greatly deteriorated during those years of general degradation[…]"
— 1829, Robert Southey, “(please specify the page)”, in Sir Thomas More: or, Colloquies on the Progress and Prospects of Society. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: John Murray, […], →OCLC:
"During this fine run through Fife the weather had deteriorated rapidly, and as we passed Wormit and came onto the Tay Bridge heavy rain clouds were piled over the sea."
— 1947 January and February, O. S. Nock, “"The Aberdonian" in Wartime”, in Railway Magazine, page 7:
"The condition of the tunnel continued to deteriorate, aggravated by the vibration from the heavy traffic, and stories of trains emerging with dislodged bricks on their roofs are probably not exaggerated."
— 1959 August 26, J. E. Norris, “The Worcester & Hereford Railway—2”, in Railway Magazine, page 533:
"It was turning into an abysmal afternoon for Newcastle and it deteriorated further when Tiote saw red for his challenge on Jon Ashton."
— 2011 January 8, Paul Fletcher, “Stevenage 3 - 1 Newcastle”, in BBC:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Without proper maintenance, the old building will ____ over time.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The situation may ____ at any time.