deteriorates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deteriorates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a process of decline or worsening condition over time. Example: "The condition of the old building deteriorates with each passing year, requiring more repairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thinning and deterioration may occur simultaneously or independently of each other, so that sometimes ice thins without internal deterioration, and sometimes it deteriorates internally with little or no overall thinning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I had a sense of adventure and curiosity which deteriorates with age – it's a shame, but also life-saving.

The Guardian - Film

But as the economy deteriorates, he cannot afford to let go of eastern Ukraine and seems trapped by the logic of escalating conflict.

The Economist

The former are bonds where interest payments are made in the form of more bonds, rather than cash; the latter are loans with fewer safeguards for creditors if the borrower's financial condition deteriorates.

The Economist

Investors were simply taking profits.So the recent market turbulence may only be a foretaste of what will happen if the world economy deteriorates more significantly, or if central banks decide to tighten monetary policy quickly.

The Economist

And, most important, what if the leader's health deteriorates?

The Economist

On Facebook, a social graph notoriously deteriorates after the initial thrill of finding old friends from school wears off.

The Economist

Mike Poulos of Oliver Wyman, a consultancy, expects the number of banks in America, currently some 8,000 or so, to drop by 2,000 or more as a result of the crisis.Banks in many emerging markets will suffer as the economic climate deteriorates but they need to deleverage less.

The Economist

But Mr Rose argues that as the cost advantage of a country like China or Russia deteriorates, hard-to-measure factors such as corruption assume greater significance.

The Economist

The theory he and his team wanted to test was that the ability to form new episodic memories deteriorates with accrued wakefulness, and that sleep thus restores the brain's capacity for efficient learning.They asked a group of 39 people to take part in two learning sessions, one at noon and one at 6pm.

The Economist

But unlike a box of shoes, the quality of an athlete's performance deteriorates after long-distance travel.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deteriorates" to describe a gradual decline in quality, function, or condition. It is suitable for both physical and abstract subjects.

Common error

Avoid using "deteriorates" interchangeably with words that imply sudden or catastrophic failure. "Deteriorates" suggests a gradual process, not an immediate collapse.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "deteriorates" is as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form. As shown by Ludwig, it describes an ongoing process of decline or worsening. The examples show its usage in various contexts, indicating a present state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deteriorates" functions as a verb indicating a gradual decline or worsening condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Remember to use "deteriorates" to describe a process of degradation rather than a sudden collapse, and consider synonyms like "worsens" or "declines" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsens

Direct synonym, implying a turn for the worse.

declines

Indicates a gradual decrease in quality or condition.

degenerates

Suggests a decline into a lower or less desirable state.

crumbles

Implies a breakdown or disintegration.

falls apart

Indicates a state of disrepair or failure.

goes downhill

Suggests a rapid or significant decline.

takes a turn for the worse

Emphasizes a change towards a negative condition.

rots

Implies decomposition or decay, particularly for organic matter.

corrodes

Suggests gradual destruction through chemical action.

lapses

Implies a temporary decline or failure, often in health or behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "deteriorates" in a sentence?

You can use "deteriorates" to describe how something gradually declines in quality or condition. For example, "The road surface "deteriorates" with each passing winter."

What are some synonyms for "deteriorates"?

Some synonyms for "deteriorates" include "worsens", "declines", and "degenerates". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something "deteriorates quickly"?

While grammatically correct, saying something "deteriorates quickly" might be conceptually contradictory. "Deteriorates" implies a gradual process, so consider using phrases like "rapidly declines" or "quickly worsens" if the decline is sudden.

What is the difference between "deteriorates" and "collapses"?

"Deteriorates" implies a gradual decline, while "collapses" suggests a sudden and complete failure. For example, a building might "deteriorates" over many years due to neglect, but it "collapses" suddenly due to an earthquake.