damaged over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "damaged over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has deteriorated or suffered harm gradually as time passes. Example: "The old painting was beautiful, but it had been damaged over time, losing much of its original vibrancy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

One is that DNA gets damaged over time, either by biological or technological copying, hampering the cloning process.

The Guardian

Thinning hair and the onset of baldness is the result of follicle-creating stem cells becoming damaged over time, a study has found.

Independent

The question is whether the composite fin was designed or built with a flaw that developed into a weakness, was damaged over time, or somehow encountered forces greater than it was designed to handle and ripped away from the plane's spine on a routine climb.

The New York Times

The fabric behind the embroidery can often get damaged over time.

BBC

The chronic condition, which is said to compromise the immune system, involves the bile ducts in the liver becoming progressively inflamed and damaged over time.

BBC

This costs about the same as a handcrafted prosthetic, but because the parts often become damaged over time, replacements can be made quickly for only about $150.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This test also takes into account the progress during the recovery period, with some accessions maintaining a steady condition, and others tending to show more or less damage over time.

BMC Plant Biology

As with many things that prove themselves to be intensely damaging over time, like drug addiction or payday loans, getting out was not as easy as getting in.

Vice

The authors suggested a dynamic turnover and replacement of damaged mitochondria over time.

Critical Care

Sweat buildup on shin guards is not only unsanitary, but can damage them over time.

WikiHow

Again, applying these to your hair can damage it over time.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "damaged over time", consider specifying the cause of the damage if relevant. For example, "the painting was damaged over time due to exposure to sunlight" provides more context.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect tenses or verb forms with "damaged over time". For example, instead of saying "it damages over time", use the correct form: "it is damaged over time" or "it gets damaged over time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "damaged over time" functions as an adjective phrase describing the state of something that has deteriorated or been harmed gradually. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English. It typically modifies a noun, indicating a process of degradation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

58%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "damaged over time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to describe something that has deteriorated or been harmed gradually. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. It appears across various contexts, including news, scientific articles, and general writing. When using the phrase, consider specifying the cause of the damage and avoiding incorrect verb tenses. Alternatives include "deteriorated with age" and "degraded over the years".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually deteriorated

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the deterioration process.

deteriorated with age

Focuses on the aging process as the cause of deterioration.

degraded over the years

Emphasizes a gradual decline in quality or condition.

slowly decayed

Focuses on the slow decaying process.

worn down over time

Highlights the effect of prolonged use or exposure.

suffered long-term damage

Highlights the result of the damage, emphasizing it's long-term nature.

sustained damage incrementally

Emphasizes the incremental nature of the damage.

affected by gradual deterioration

Focuses on deterioration as the affecting factor.

progressively impaired

Highlights a gradual decline in function or ability.

eroded with the passage of time

Focuses on the erosive effect of time.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "damaged over time"?

Alternatives include "deteriorated with age", "degraded over the years", or "worn down over time", depending on the context.

How does "damaged over time" differ from "suddenly damaged"?

"Damaged over time" implies a gradual deterioration, while "suddenly damaged" suggests an abrupt incident caused the damage. For example, a car might be "damaged over time" due to rust, but "suddenly damaged" in a collision.

Can "damaged over time" be used for both physical and non-physical things?

Yes, it can be used for both. Physically, a building can be "damaged over time" by weather. Non-physically, a reputation can be "damaged over time" by scandals.

Is it better to use "damaged over time" or "damaged with time"?

"Damaged over time" is generally preferred as it emphasizes the process of deterioration occurring gradually throughout a period. "Damaged with time" is less common and might sound awkward to some.