degrade over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "degrade over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process where something deteriorates or loses quality as time passes. Example: "The materials used in the construction of the bridge may degrade over time, necessitating regular inspections and maintenance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In addition, immobilized chemoselective interfaces have a limited shelf-life as they degrade over time resulting even poorer selectivity [9].

EPJ Techniques and Instrumentation

People should check the expiration date, because some sunscreen ingredients might degrade over time or develop bacterial growth.

Huffington Post

In addition, newly acquired skills following training are likely to degrade over time without frequent reinforcement.

British Journal of Cancer

Be aware of the expiration date because some sunscreen ingredients might degrade over time.

WikiHow

In both situations, our behaviors degrade over time.

Harvard Business Review

Unlike conventional electrodes, the coils' effectiveness shouldn't degrade over time.

MIT Technology Review

And finally, it should not degrade over time.

Nature

"The history of forensics has shown that certain types of evidence don't degrade over time".

The New York Times

Narcissism, materialism, and envy may even cause people's gratitude to degrade over time.

University of California, Berkeley

Algorithms that do not recluster data cause applications performance to degrade over time.

University of California, Berkeley

Electrode readings from an individual brain cell can degrade over time, potentially destroying the rerouted connection.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "degrade over time" to accurately describe the process of physical decay in materials, products, or infrastructure, indicating a gradual reduction in performance or structural integrity.

Common error

Avoid using "degrade over time" when describing sudden or catastrophic failures. This phrase implies a gradual process, not an abrupt event. Instead, opt for terms like "failed suddenly" or "collapsed immediately" for instantaneous breakdowns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "degrade over time" functions as a verb phrase that typically describes a gradual process of deterioration or decline. Ludwig shows that it often modifies nouns related to physical objects, skills, or abstract concepts, highlighting their diminishing quality or effectiveness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

40%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "degrade over time" describes a gradual process of deterioration or decline, applicable across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. While suitable for a neutral register, it implies a negative connotation and is used to inform about or warn against the temporal aspect of decay. Alternative phrases like "deteriorate with age" or "lose effectiveness gradually" offer similar meanings with slight shifts in emphasis. Remember to use it appropriately when describing gradual processes rather than sudden failures, and be aware of the context to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deteriorate with age

Focuses specifically on the effect of aging on deterioration.

wear down eventually

Highlights the eventual breakdown due to continuous use or stress.

lose effectiveness gradually

Highlights the gradual loss of efficacy or performance.

decline over a period

Emphasizes a downward trend over a specific duration.

become less potent

Emphasizes the reduction in strength or effectiveness, often in the context of substances or skills.

diminish in quality

Emphasizes the reduction in the standard or excellence of something.

degenerate in the long run

Focuses on long-term degradation or decline.

fall into disrepair

Suggests a state of neglect and degradation due to lack of maintenance.

break down with use

Highlights the deterioration resulting from usage.

corrode gradually

Specifically refers to the process of corrosion or decay, often in materials.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to "degrade over time"?

When something "degrades over time", it means that its quality, effectiveness, or condition gradually diminishes or deteriorates as time passes. This can apply to physical objects, skills, relationships, or even abstract concepts.

What can I say instead of "degrade over time"?

You can use alternatives like "deteriorate with age", "lose effectiveness gradually", or "diminish in quality" depending on the context.

Is it always negative when something "degrades over time"?

Yes, the term "degrade over time" generally implies a negative connotation, suggesting a decline or reduction in quality, functionality, or value. It usually describes an undesirable process or outcome.

Which factors can cause something to "degrade over time"?

Numerous factors can contribute to something degrading over time, including wear and tear, environmental conditions, lack of maintenance, obsolescence, or inherent limitations in the material or design.