relationship deteriorated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'relationship deteriorated' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about two people or entities whose relationship is getting worse. For example: Over the past year, the relationship between the two countries has deteriorated significantly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once I started writing, though, our relationship deteriorated.

The New York Times - Magazine

The relationship deteriorated when an internal investigation became public.

The Washington Post

Their relationship deteriorated when he was a teenager, but they eventually reconciled.

The Guardian

But the relationship deteriorated and the government abruptly kicked the doctors off the island in October.

The Guardian

But the relationship deteriorated this season, something that Mike Mussina of the Yankees noticed from afar.

The New York Times

When Sophie became a teenager, their relationship deteriorated and there were frequent rows.

The Guardian

Bernstein, however, felt that in Knowledge and Control Young went too far, and their relationship deteriorated.

The Guardian

But, as Maradona's off-the-pitch behaviour became increasingly erratic, their relationship deteriorated rapidly.

The Guardian - Sport

But afterwards our relationship deteriorated because Tony stopped communicating with me".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The relationship deteriorated from there, culminating with the team leaving the arena.

The New York Times - Sports

Had their relationship deteriorated to the point where it was irreparable?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider providing context for why the "relationship deteriorated" to give the reader a clearer understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid vague sentences like "The relationship was deteriorated". Instead, specify who or what caused the decline: "His actions caused the relationship to deteriorate."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relationship deteriorated" functions as a descriptor, indicating a decline or worsening in the state of a connection between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relationship deteriorated" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a decline in a relationship. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it is suitable for use in written English to describe a worsening connection between entities. It is frequently found in news and media, academia, and scientific contexts, indicating its versatility across different types of writing. While generally neutral in tone, the impact can be heightened by adding details about the cause and the degree of deterioration. Alternatives like "relationship soured" or "ties frayed" offer nuanced ways to express a similar concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relationship declined

Suggests a gradual decrease in quality or intensity of the relationship.

relationship soured

Implies a change from pleasant to unpleasant, often used for personal relationships.

relations worsened

Focuses on the negative progression of the relationship state.

rapport diminished

Highlights a reduction in mutual understanding and harmony.

bond weakened

Emphasizes the reduction in strength of the emotional or practical connection.

ties frayed

Metaphorical expression indicating weakening or damage to the connections between parties.

alliance crumbled

Implies a complete breakdown of a formal agreement or partnership.

partnership dissolved

Highlights the formal ending of a collaborative venture.

goodwill evaporated

Indicates a loss of positive sentiment and cooperative attitude.

friendship ended

Directly states the termination of a friendly relationship.

FAQs

What does it mean when a relationship has deteriorated?

It means the relationship has worsened over time, typically marked by increased conflict, decreased communication, or a loss of trust.

What are some synonyms for "relationship deteriorated"?

Alternatives include "relationship soured", "relationship declined", or "ties frayed", depending on the context.

How can I use "relationship deteriorated" in a sentence?

Example: "The company's relationship with its suppliers deteriorated after the new management took over."

Is it correct to say "the relationship was deteriorated"?

While understandable, it's better to say "the relationship deteriorated" or "the relationship has deteriorated." The passive form can be awkward. Avoid vague sentences like "The relationship was deteriorated". Instead, specify who or what caused the decline: "His actions caused the relationship to deteriorate."