deterioration

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'deterioration' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the process of something getting worse or going downhill, especially over time, such as a situation or a relationship. For example, "The deterioration of the economy over the past few years has had a huge impact on the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Economics

Health

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a sign of deterioration in the country, the Foreign Office has warned in recent days of threats to the British embassy in Tripoli and advised Britons to leave Benghazi because of a threat of attack.

The Guardian

The report warned of an "alarming deterioration" of human rights in eastern Ukraine, where it said insurgent groups had carried out "targeted killings, torture and beatings, abductions, intimidation and some cases of sexual harassment".

The Guardian

Then it turned to a cheaper thinktank, whose pamphlet showed the depths of social deterioration.

The Guardian

Well, I think it means a deterioration in the first instance of the economic wellbeing of the collective, in other words the degradation of the public sector.

The Guardian - Books

You say that you have sought treatment and even once been hospitalised, but it sounds as if that has only been in response to physical deterioration or a crisis.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is not quite clear why only one ball, which is inspected at the end of every over anyway, as well as at the fall of a wicket or an interval, was deemed to have unnatural deterioration.

The Guardian - Sport

I once went on Richard and Judy to defend Moss after the Daily Mail ran a huge piece on her deterioration – something to do with her knees?

The Guardian - Opinion

The return of the man who was signed to take over from Cristiano Ronaldo has unsettled Nani, leading to a marked deterioration in form, but it has scarcely mattered such is the way Valencia has slipped back into the side so seamlessly.

The Guardian - Sport

David Aubrey QC, defending, insisted the murder should be considered a mercy killing as she had seen his rapid deterioration over the previous 10 months.

The Guardian

He blames "the deterioration of standards" on cost-cutting: "The respect for a musical score must come from the director … If the director has no power and has to surrender to budgetary constraints, this is where we have the problem".

The Guardian - Music

Any further deterioration in relations between the spy agencies could seriously damage efforts against al-Qaida.In Egypt there was dismay at Zawahiri's role.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify what is undergoing "deterioration". For example, instead of just stating "there was deterioration", specify "there was a deterioration in the patient's condition".

Common error

While both terms imply a decrease, "deterioration" refers to a decline in quality or condition, while "depreciation" specifically refers to a decrease in value, often in an economic or accounting context. Use "deterioration" when describing a decline in physical condition or abstract qualities; use "depreciation" when discussing asset values.

Linguistic Context

The word "deterioration" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the process or state of something becoming worse. Ludwig AI indicates it is "correct and usable in written English". It's used to describe a decline in condition, quality, or effectiveness, as exemplified in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Sport

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "deterioration" signifies the process of something becoming worse, declining in quality, or losing its original state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and frequently used term across diverse contexts. Usage spans from describing physical decline and damage, to broader aspects like "deterioration" in economic conditions or "deterioration" in relationships. While "deterioration" is a commonly used word, being specific about the subject undergoing "deterioration" and degree of "deterioration" makes your writing more impactful and precise. Synonyms like "decline in quality" and "worsening condition" offer nuanced alternatives for varied contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsening condition

Highlights the adverse change in a state or situation.

decline in quality

Focuses specifically on the reduction of quality, rather than a general worsening.

progressive decline

Similar to gradual decay, but can apply to abstract concepts like health or relationships.

gradual decay

Emphasizes the slow, progressive nature of the decline.

impairment

Suggests a weakening or damaging effect.

degeneration

Often used in biological or moral contexts, implying a loss of function or moral standards.

erosion

Suggests a gradual wearing away, often used in physical or abstract senses.

breakdown

Indicates a failure or collapse of a system or structure.

atrophy

Specifically refers to the wasting away of a body part or tissue.

regression

Implies a return to a previous, less developed state.

FAQs

How can I use "deterioration" in a sentence?

You can use "deterioration" to describe a worsening condition. For example, "The "deterioration of the relationship" between the two countries led to increased tensions" or "The "deterioration of the building" was evident in the crumbling facade".

What are some synonyms for "deterioration"?

Some synonyms for "deterioration" include "decline in quality", "worsening condition", "impairment", and "degeneration". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "deterioration" and "degeneration"?

"Deterioration" generally refers to any process of becoming worse. "Degeneration", on the other hand, often implies a decline from a higher to a lower state, especially in biological or moral contexts. While "the deterioration of health" is a common usage, "the degeneration of a tissue" is more specific and common in medical contexts.

Which is correct, "deterioration of" or "deterioration in"?

Both "deterioration of" and "deterioration in" can be correct, depending on the context. "Deterioration of" is often used when referring to the state or quality of something, while "deterioration in" is used when referring to a decline in a specific area or aspect. For example, "deterioration of the environment" vs. "deterioration in relations".