a deteriorating state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deteriorating state" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is worsening or declining over time. Example: "The report highlighted the city's infrastructure, which is currently in a deteriorating state and requires urgent attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"We did have evidence of a deteriorating state of mind that would lead him to more violence within the next 24 hours," Colonel Fuentes said.

The New York Times

She was given no support by her local authority which ignored what was patently a deteriorating state of affairs at the school for both staff and pupils". Ms Menzies is now living in her native New Zealand and has retired from teaching.

The Guardian

I marveled at her ability to joke even in such a deteriorating state.

Huffington Post

Expanding "anxiety" to include non-economic factors, such as fear of a deteriorating state of the world, could help shore up our "Anxiety Thesis".

Huffington Post

When dialysis is started patients are sometimes in a deteriorating state of health and often depressed.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is also necessary to define the processes that are hypothesized to lead to a deteriorated state at high ages, but not before.

Biogerontology

In the three weeks since Hugo Chávez flew to Cuba for yet another cancer operation, we have been drawn into a sort of collective death-bed vigil, with a government spokesman intimating at a progressively deteriorating state and seeking to "prepare" the president's supporters for the inevitable.

The New York Times

After all, household account entries, faithfully kept, could be a reminder of the deteriorating state of a family's fortune, or of a family.

The New York Times

Even Britain, a weaker economy than either of those two, is enjoying yields on its ten-year bonds that are at an all-time low.The deteriorating state of government finances and their rising debt-to-GDP ratios mean there are lots of these bonds to buy.

The Economist

An increasingly globalized society provides the right conditions to mount an offensive against the deteriorating state of Planet Earth.

Vice

(They broke off talks of a merger because of the rapidly deteriorating state of the industry).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like relationships or economies, use "a deteriorating state" to convey a sense of decline or worsening conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "a deteriorating state" in situations where the decline is minor or temporary. Reserve it for describing significant and concerning downward trends to maintain impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deteriorating state" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It describes a condition or situation that is progressively worsening. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts to denote decline.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a deteriorating state" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes something worsening over time. Ludwig confirms that it is most frequently found in news and media and scientific contexts. While the phrase is correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is advisable to use it when referring to substantial declines to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "a worsening condition" or "a declining situation" can be considered for variety or depending on the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a worsening condition

Focuses on the act of becoming worse, emphasizing the process of decline.

a declining situation

Highlights the negative trajectory of a situation, suggesting a downward trend.

a decaying status

Emphasizes the gradual decomposition and loss of quality or effectiveness.

a crumbling environment

Suggests a structural or systematic breakdown of a surrounding context.

a degenerating circumstance

Emphasizes the loss of positive qualities and moral standards in a situation.

a failing health

Specifically addresses the deterioration of physical or mental well-being.

a deteriorating relationship

Applies to interpersonal or diplomatic connections that are growing strained or hostile.

a depreciating asset

Used in financial contexts to describe a loss in value over time.

a corrupting influence

Highlights the degradation of moral or ethical values by an external factor.

a vitiating factor

Denotes something that weakens, spoils, or impairs the quality or efficiency of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a deteriorating state" in a sentence?

You can use "a deteriorating state" to describe situations that are worsening, such as "The doctor noted "a deteriorating state of health"" or "The report highlighted "a deteriorating state of the economy"".

What's a more formal alternative to "a deteriorating state"?

More formal alternatives include "a declining condition" or "a worsening situation", which convey a similar sense of decline in a more professional tone.

How does "a deteriorating state" differ from "a stable state"?

"A deteriorating state" implies a negative change or decline over time, while "a stable state" suggests that something is remaining constant without significant change. They are antonyms describing opposite trends.

Is it appropriate to use "a deteriorating state" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a deteriorating state" is relatively formal. In casual conversation, consider using phrases like "things going downhill" or "getting worse", which are less formal but convey a similar meaning.