degradation over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "degradation over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decline or deterioration that occurs gradually as time passes. Example: "The degradation over time of the building's structure has raised concerns about its safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, magnetic media is subject to degradation over time.

Harvard University

Alternatively, the nuclear complexes may contain less IN due to gradual intasome degradation over time.

Nature

RNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue is problematic due to chemical modifications and continued degradation over time.

Stanford University

DNA is prone to degradation over time into small fragments, which was an issue for older sequencing techniques that relied on getting comparatively long, coherent strands of DNA.

The Guardian

The damaged airstrip – it is said to be crumbling – is not due to cyclone damage, but rather degradation over time and government delays in upgrading.

The Guardian

Thermal cycles up to 300 are performed to investigate melting and solidification reversibility as well as degradation over time.

Energy Conversion and Management

Since fibrin undergoes fibrinolysis and degradation over time, we used aprotinin to slow down fibrinolysis and prolong the lifespan of the fibrin scaffold.

Nature

The problem was the interaction between a composite material on one part of the pedal and moisture which led to degradation over time.

Harvard Business Review

Then the accuracy of different RTS products is investigated on nominal accuracy and the accuracy degradation over time.

Advances in Space Research

The wing part that the foam hit, a leading edge panel, is known to be susceptible to degradation over time, and the accident board has already complained that NASA is not properly tracking the condition of those panels.

The New York Times

Advances in unitised regenerative fuel cells research have yielded better performing oxygen electrocatalysts capable of improving energy efficiency with longer endurance and less performance degradation over time.

Journal of Power Sources

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the lifespan or durability of materials or systems, quantify the "degradation over time" with specific metrics or rates whenever possible for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid redundancy by ensuring that the "over time" component adds necessary context. If the degradation inherently implies a temporal aspect, consider simply using "degradation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "degradation over time" functions as a noun phrase that describes a process of decline or deterioration that occurs gradually as time passes. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a common way to express the gradual worsening of a condition or quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

21%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "degradation over time" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the gradual decline or deterioration of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, especially within scientific, news, and academic domains. While alternatives like "temporal deterioration" or "gradual decline" exist, "degradation over time" is a widely understood and accepted expression. To enhance clarity, consider quantifying the rate of degradation when possible and avoid using "degradation over time" redundantly if the temporal aspect is already implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporal deterioration

Emphasizes the process of becoming worse or of less value specifically in relation to time.

progressive decay

Highlights the gradual process of rotting or decomposition.

gradual decline

Focuses on the steady decrease in quality, condition, or power.

long-term erosion

Specifies a slow process of wearing away or being destroyed over a prolonged period.

time-related decay

Directly links the decay process to the passage of time.

age-related decline

Implies that the decline is a consequence of aging or the effects of age.

deterioration with age

Highlights that the worsening happens in parallel with an increase in age.

wearing down over time

Describes a slow process of something becoming thinner or weaker because of use.

slow decomposition

Refers to the gradual process of rotting and breaking down.

cumulative damage

Highlights that the damage is built up over time.

FAQs

How can I use "degradation over time" in a sentence?

You can use "degradation over time" to describe the gradual decline or deterioration of something. For example, "The "degradation over time" of the bridge's structure raised safety concerns".

What is a good alternative to "degradation over time"?

Alternatives include "temporal deterioration", "gradual decline", or "progressive decay", depending on the specific context.

What causes "degradation over time"?

"Degradation over time" can be caused by various factors such as environmental conditions, wear and tear, chemical reactions, or biological processes. The specific cause depends on the object or system being discussed.

How can the "degradation over time" be prevented or slowed?

Prevention or slowing of "degradation over time" depends on the cause. Strategies may include protective coatings, regular maintenance, controlled storage environments, or the use of more durable materials.