deteriorate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'deteriorate' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a situation which is becoming worse, and it can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example, "The state of the economy has deteriorated significantly over the past few months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

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

Use "deteriorate" when you want to emphasize a process of becoming gradually worse, especially concerning quality, health, or condition. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is deteriorating to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "deteriorate" with singular subjects when a plural form is required, or vice versa. For example, use "conditions deteriorate" (plural) rather than "condition deteriorate" (incorrect).

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "deteriorate" is as an intransitive verb, indicating a process of becoming worse. It describes how something declines in quality, condition, or value over time, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "deteriorate" is a versatile verb used to describe a state of becoming worse. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. Its primary function is to describe a negative change or decline in quality, condition, or value, as evidenced by examples from news media, formal business documents, and scientific publications. While it can be used in both formal and informal writing, it maintains a neutral tone. Related phrases include "worsen", "decline", and "degenerate", each carrying slightly different connotations. Remember to use correct subject-verb agreement and consider the specific nuance you wish to convey when choosing "deteriorate" over its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsen

A general term for becoming worse, similar to "deteriorate" but less formal.

decline

Indicates a gradual decrease or weakening, less abrupt than "deteriorate".

degenerate

Suggests a decline in quality or moral character, implying a loss of former standards.

degrade

Implies a reduction in rank, status, or quality, often due to external factors.

fall apart

Suggests a breakdown or disintegration, often used for systems or relationships.

go downhill

An informal phrase for a decline, often used for personal situations or performance.

take a turn for the worse

Indicates a sudden and negative change in condition or situation.

crumble

Suggests a gradual decay or disintegration, often used for physical structures or institutions.

regress

Implies a return to a former, less developed state.

slump

Indicates a sudden and significant decline, often used for economic or market conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "deteriorate" in a sentence?

You can use "deteriorate" to describe a situation or object that is becoming worse over time. For example, "The relationship between the two countries began to "deteriorate" after the trade agreement was canceled".

What can I say instead of "deteriorate"?

You can use alternatives like "worsen", "decline", or "degenerate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "deteriorate" or "exacerbate"?

"Deteriorate" means to become worse, while "exacerbate" means to make something worse. The correct choice depends on whether you are describing a change or an action.

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

"Deteriorate" generally refers to a decline in quality or condition, while "degrade" often implies a loss of status, respect, or moral value. The nuance depends on the context.