Deterioration Meaning
/dɪˌtɪəɹɪəˈɹeɪʃən/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe process of making or growing worse, or the state of having grown worse.
Sentence Examples
The deterioration of corporate earnings has yet to bottom out.
Let's stop the deterioration of the natural environment.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The doctor noted a gradual ____ in the patient's eyesight.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ of corporate earnings has yet to bottom out.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from French détérioration; morphologically deteriorate + -ion.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"From 1945 onwards, deterioration in the condition of the brickwork in the arch soffits was kept under close observation, and in 1951 it was decided that strengthening must be undertaken."
— 1954 January, “Strengthening of Coquet Viaduct”, in Railway Magazine, page 18:
"The Queen may be celebrating her jubilee but the Queen's English Society, which has railed against the misuse and deterioration of the English language, is to fold."
— 2012 June 4, Lewis Smith, “Queen’s English Society says enuf is enough, innit?: Society formed 40 years ago to protect language against poor spelling and grammar closes because too few people care”, in The Guardian, London, archived from the original on 10 Mar 2016:
""The quantum sensors will provide highly accurate measurements that will help to detect the rate of change of the track and subsequently, any deteriorations which might lead to faults.""
— 2020 November 18, “Network News: Researchers team up on navigation data system”, in RAIL, page 23:
"V-Dem lists the characteristics of autocratization as deteriorations in freedom of expression, the decline of free and fair elections, and the centralization of authority."
— 2025 September 16, “Can democracy survive without America?”, in The Hankyoreh, archived from the original on 15 Nov 2025:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The doctor noted a gradual ____ in the patient's eyesight.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ of corporate earnings has yet to bottom out.