is steadily deteriorating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is steadily deteriorating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, condition, or object that is gradually getting worse over time. Example: "The condition of the old building is steadily deteriorating, and urgent repairs are needed to prevent further damage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But nobody is optimistic; the situation there is steadily deteriorating.

The Guardian

And this number does not take into account environmental impacts (air quality in Atlanta is steadily deteriorating).

The New York Times

Leslie Lefkow, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch, said: "The UK is providing more than £300m a year in aid to Ethiopia while the country's human rights record is steadily deteriorating".

The Guardian

Thousands of historically or architecturally significant buildings in the suburbs are similarly unprotected, among them the former Woolworth estate in Glen Cove, N.Y., which is steadily deteriorating, and the sprawling Bell Labs in Holmdel, N.J., built by the master architect Eero Saarinen.

The New York Times

His competence at speech is steadily deteriorating, as shown by expert comparisons of his clear sentences two decades ago with his near-gibberish in recent weeks and months.

Huffington Post

The humanitarian situation in the towns on the border between Hungary and Serbia is steadily deteriorating as heavy rain falls, temperatures drop, and thousands more people flood into the packed camps.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Her quality of life was steadily deteriorating," Mr. Kohl said.

The New York Times

The situation on Manus Island has been steadily deteriorating.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, the financial condition of the Indies had been steadily deteriorating.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Relations between Mr Ahmadinejad and Mr Khamenei have been steadily deteriorating.

The Economist

The great voice had been steadily deteriorating, its range contracted and its intonation unsteady.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is steadily deteriorating", ensure the subject of the phrase is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what exactly is declining to maintain clarity.

Common error

While accurate, "is steadily deteriorating" can sometimes sound overly dramatic in formal reports. Consider using more neutral terms like "is gradually declining" for professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is steadily deteriorating" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous process of decline or worsening. It's used to describe the state of something that is gradually becoming less desirable. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is steadily deteriorating" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that describes a continuous process of decline. While Ludwig confirms its validity, it is crucial to consider the context when using it. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, and scientific contexts. Alternatives such as "is progressively declining" or "is gradually worsening" may be more suitable for formal or professional settings to avoid potential over-dramatization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is progressively declining

Emphasizes gradual loss in quality or condition.

is gradually worsening

Focuses on the increasing severity of a negative situation.

is continuously degrading

Highlights the ongoing nature of the deterioration process.

is constantly declining

Stresses the persistent nature of the decline without interruption.

is consistently eroding

Suggests a gradual wearing away or diminishing effect.

is slowly declining

Indicates a slow pace of decline.

is facing ongoing degradation

Highlights the process of degradation.

is undergoing continuous decay

Emphasizes the process of rotting.

is suffering a persistent decline

Highlights the experience of decline.

is on a downward spiral

Indicates an accelerating negative trend.

FAQs

What does "is steadily deteriorating" mean?

It means that something is gradually getting worse or declining in quality, condition, or function over a period of time.

What can I say instead of "is steadily deteriorating"?

You can use alternatives like "is progressively declining", "is gradually worsening", or "is continuously degrading" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is steadily deteriorating"?

It's appropriate when describing a situation, object, or condition that is demonstrably getting worse over time, such as "the patient's health /s/is+steadily+deteriorating" or "the environment /s/is+steadily+deteriorating".

Is "is steadily deteriorating" a formal or informal phrase?

It's a fairly neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although in highly formal or scientific writing, more precise terminology might be preferred.