prone to deterioration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prone to deterioration" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to something (usually physical) that is likely to become worse with time, for example: This old house is prone to deterioration, so we need to inspect it regularly.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A competitor whose own cement-like product came to dominate the industry says the material used on the trade center did not stick well and was prone to deterioration.

The New York Times

Because the LineScout moves at such a stately pace, Kip Morison, the chief technology officer at BC Hydro, said his firm would probably use it only to inspect lines that were difficult to reach, like those that cross long stretches of water, or that were especially prone to deterioration.

The New York Times

All negatives are prone to deterioration over time, and the process may be sped up if negatives are exposed to high heat and humidity.

Duke University

In the past, they have commonly been used in space communications, radio astronomy and remote sensing -- but not in telecommunications because they are prone to deterioration in crowded settings.

Huffington Post

Low acid foods are more prone to deterioration by micro-organisms and can in fact provide an ideal substrate for food poisoning organisms when in a moist environment.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

As consequence, there is a predominance of naked collagen fibrils denuded, making CAD interfaces more prone to deterioration over time [ 3].

BMC Oral Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

If you have a family history of osteoarthritis, if you're overweight, or if you've had some knee injuries, you may be more prone to this deterioration.

Harvard University

In high impact areas – such as roads that are not laid using tarmac, and therefore prone to constant deterioration – strengthening materials are necessary and vital to keep communication routes open.

The Guardian

Consequent to an increase in incidence is the rise in the number of patients with knee OA who are prone to further deterioration of the knee.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

Owing to the natural history of gastric cancer, patients are particularly prone to clinical deterioration after diagnosis or during treatment course.

British Journal of Cancer

At the later time point, when erythrocytes became prone to lytic deterioration, we observed more exflagellation centres than on day 12 (Fig. S6D).

Cellular Microbiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing materials or structures, use "prone to deterioration" to highlight the need for regular maintenance or protective measures.

Common error

Avoid using "prone to deterioration" to describe abstract concepts like ideas or relationships. This phrase is best suited for tangible items or physical conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to deterioration" functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a susceptibility or tendency toward decline or degradation. Ludwig examples highlight its use in describing materials, infrastructure, and even health conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Academia

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prone to deterioration" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe a susceptibility or tendency toward decline. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for use in written English. It's most frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, it's best to describe tangible objects, materials, or physical conditions. Related phrases include "susceptible to decay" and "liable to degrade", offering alternatives with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

susceptible to decay

Focuses on the aspect of rotting or breaking down naturally.

liable to degrade

Highlights the tendency to lose quality or integrity.

at risk of declining

Emphasizes the potential for a decrease in condition or performance.

vulnerable to damage

Stresses the susceptibility to harm or injury.

inclined to worsen

Indicates a natural tendency toward a less favorable state.

tending to degenerate

Highlights the process of falling from a higher to a lower state.

subject to degradation

Focuses on the condition of being exposed to a process of decline.

predisposed to fail

Emphasizes a higher likelihood of unsuccessful performance.

easily impaired

Highlights how readily something can be weakened or damaged.

facing potential decline

Draws attention to the possibility of a future reduction in quality or value.

FAQs

How can I use "prone to deterioration" in a sentence?

You can use "prone to deterioration" to describe materials or conditions that are likely to worsen over time, such as "This old building is "prone to deterioration" if not properly maintained".

What are some alternatives to "prone to deterioration"?

Alternatives include "susceptible to decay", "liable to degrade", or "vulnerable to damage", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of decline.

Is it better to say "prone to deterioration" or "subject to deterioration"?

Both "prone to deterioration" and "subject to deterioration" are grammatically correct. "Prone to deterioration" suggests a natural tendency, while "subject to deterioration" implies an external influence causing the decline.

What kind of things can be described as "prone to deterioration"?

Typically, physical objects, materials, or conditions are described as "prone to deterioration". Examples include infrastructure, historical documents, and certain health conditions.