deteriorates over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deteriorates over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process where something gradually declines in quality, condition, or effectiveness as time passes. Example: "The paint on the house deteriorates over time if not properly maintained."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Without meaningful feedback, a doctor's ability actually deteriorates over time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Like any fresh product, olive oil deteriorates over time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lighting performance also deteriorates over time, not least due to prevailing environmental conditions.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

"Recording quality deteriorates over time with all existing electrodes," says Andrew Schwartz, a neuroscientist at the University of Pittsburgh.

MIT Technology Review

Videotape deteriorates over time, posing significant storage problems and requires the installation of a video recorder on every camera.

The New York Times

Almost every engineering system deteriorates over time due to exposure to extreme conditions and during routine use.

Structural Safety

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Quality refers to design quality, which may deteriorate over time.

European Journal of Operational Research

Visuo-spatial function is spared in the FE but may deteriorate over time.

Schizophrenia Research

Consequently, the representativeness of the cohort in a longitudinal study may deteriorate over time.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Health status may deteriorate over time as a response to cumulative discrimination.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Certain precautions must be taken, since they can be addictive and their effects may deteriorate over time.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the lifespan or durability of a product, use "deteriorates over time" to emphasize the gradual decline in quality. For instance, "The material used in these tires deteriorates over time, leading to reduced performance."

Common error

Avoid assuming that everything "deteriorates over time" at the same rate. Specify the factors that influence the rate of deterioration, such as environmental conditions or usage frequency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deteriorates over time" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of gradual decline or worsening. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's acceptability and widespread use. It describes how something changes negatively as time passes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deteriorates over time" effectively describes a gradual decline in quality, condition, or effectiveness. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, consider specifying the factors that influence the rate of deterioration to provide more clarity. Alternatives include "worsens over time" and "declines over time". Remember that "deteriorates over time" generally carries a negative connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsens over time

Replaces "deteriorates" with a more general synonym, "worsens", maintaining the core meaning of decline.

declines over time

Substitutes "deteriorates" with "declines", focusing on a decrease in quality or condition.

degrades over time

Uses "degrades" instead of "deteriorates", emphasizing a reduction in quality or integrity.

degenerates over time

Employs "degenerates" to suggest a decline to a lower or worse state.

falls into disrepair

Focuses on the aspect of physical decay and neglect over an extended duration.

loses its effectiveness

Shifts the focus to a loss of function or capability over the course of time.

goes downhill

An informal way of saying something is becoming worse over a period.

erodes with time

Suggests a gradual wearing away or destruction over an extended period.

is compromised over the long term

Highlights that something's integrity or quality reduces as time elapses.

suffers from long-term decline

Focuses on the sustained and gradual reduction in quality or condition.

FAQs

What does "deteriorates over time" mean?

The phrase "deteriorates over time" means that something gradually declines in quality, condition, or effectiveness as time passes. It implies a slow but steady process of worsening.

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

You can use alternatives like "worsens over time", "declines over time", or "degrades over time" depending on the context.

How is "deteriorates over time" different from "breaks down"?

"Deteriorates over time" suggests a gradual decline, while "breaks down" implies a more sudden or complete failure. For example, paint "deteriorates over time", but a machine might "break down".

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

Yes, the term "deteriorates over time" generally carries a negative connotation, implying that something is becoming less desirable or functional as time passes. If the decline is not problematic, other terms might be more appropriate.