Deteriorate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Deteriorate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of something becoming progressively worse or declining in quality, condition, or function. Example: "Over the years, the abandoned building began to deteriorate, with its walls crumbling and windows shattered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We have seen detainees' mental and physical health deteriorate in immigration detention and we fear for this man's wellbeing given his existing reported vulnerabilities".

The Guardian

Older people are the most pessimistic, with 53% of those aged over 55 believing their circumstances will deteriorate, against 9% who expect things to get better.

The Guardian

Young people are more positive and evenly split, with 37% saying they expect their finances to get better against 25% who fear they will deteriorate.

The Guardian

Even so, Wiggins will need to be vigilant on the tough twin climbs of Caerphilly mountain on Thursday – when the weather is again expected to deteriorate – or on the hilltop finish at Haytor on Friday.

The Guardian - Sport

Labour's latest claims about the Conservatives and the NHS amount to a dire warning that patients' waits to access key services such as A&E, GPs or planned operations will deteriorate even further if the Tories win the general election.

The Guardian

In the past, the tendency has been for the public finances to deteriorate rapidly in recessions and bounce back even more smartly than forecast during recoveries.

The Guardian

The situation will deteriorate if prevention and control measures are not scaled up soon".

The Guardian

Forty three per cent said they believed their circumstances would deteriorate over the coming year, while 20% believed they would improve.

The Guardian

The situation in Syria continues to deteriorate and tragically it is the innocent, including large numbers of women and children, who suffer the worst of the consequences.

The Guardian

"The Fed's rhetoric has consistently pointed out that the data needs to deteriorate significantly further before it would consider an expansion of QE," BarCap said.

The Guardian - Business

Ageing populations are pushing up health bills, so education—another huge chunk of government spending loses out; and since the social benefits of primary and secondary education are clearer than those of tertiary education, universities tend to suffer the most.One option is to allow quality to deteriorate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deteriorate", ensure the subject and context clearly indicate what is declining in quality or condition. For example, specify whether it's health, infrastructure, or relations that are "deteriorating".

Common error

Avoid using "deteriorate" with subjects that don't inherently possess a quality that can decline. Instead of saying "The idea deteriorated", consider "The idea was discredited" or "The idea lost support".

Linguistic Context

The verb "deteriorate" functions to describe the process of something becoming progressively worse or declining in quality, condition, or function. Ludwig examples showcase this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "deteriorate" is a versatile verb used to describe the process of something becoming worse or declining. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media. When using "deteriorate", be mindful of selecting subjects that can logically decline in quality, and consider synonyms like "worsen" or "decline" for variety. With an expert rating of 4.5, this guide highlights best practices and common errors to enhance clarity and precision in your writing about how things "deteriorate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Worsen

This term is a direct synonym, indicating a turn for the worse.

Decline

Implies a gradual loss of quality or strength.

Degenerate

Suggests a decline to a lower or worse state, often morally or physically.

Get worse

A more common and less formal way to express deterioration.

Fall apart

Indicates a breakdown or disintegration.

Go downhill

Informal phrase suggesting a rapid decline.

Take a turn for the worse

Suggests a sudden and negative change in condition.

Crumble

Implies a slow but certain disintegration or decay.

Weaken

Indicates a reduction in strength or effectiveness.

Corrode

Suggests a gradual wearing away, often due to chemical action or other external factors.

FAQs

How can I use "deteriorate" in a sentence?

You can use "deteriorate" to describe something that is worsening or declining in quality. For example, "The patient's condition began to deteriorate rapidly" or "The relationship between the two countries began to deteriorate after the trade agreement expired."

What are some synonyms for "deteriorate"?

Some synonyms for "deteriorate" include "worsen", "decline", "degenerate", and "degrade". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "deteriorate rapidly"?

Yes, it is correct to say "deteriorate rapidly". The word "rapidly" simply emphasizes the speed at which something is declining. For example, "The infrastructure began to deteriorate rapidly after years of neglect."

What's the difference between "deteriorate" and "degrade"?

"Deteriorate" generally refers to a decline in quality, condition, or value. "Degrade" often implies a loss of respect or moral standing, or a reduction to a lower rank or level. While there can be overlap, "degrade" often carries a more negative or pejorative connotation than "deteriorate".