scale of deterioration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scale of deterioration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the extent or degree of decline in quality, condition, or performance of something over time. Example: "The report provided a detailed analysis of the scale of deterioration in the building's infrastructure, highlighting areas that required immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is shocking to see the scale of deterioration at Old Trafford.

The Guardian - Sport

Two doctors smuggled the Guardian past security guards for a tour of their hospital, where the scale of deterioration was evident.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In terms of the scale of the deterioration in Obama's standing, quite possibly it could.

The New Yorker

The scale of the deterioration in revenues is much bigger than you would expect from a cyclical downturn.

The Economist

The scale of the deterioration in the public finances suggests that the shortfall is more structural than cyclical.

The Economist

While the City had been braced for further losses on loans granted by the division formerly run by Peter Cummings, a HBOS veteran, analysts were stunned by the speed and scale of the deterioration.

The Guardian - Business

"[The aquarium is in] a constant state of deterioration.

Vice

From my perspective as a professor and director of the Project on Lived Theology who regularly places students in faith-based internships, the experience of service in faith-based organisations often promotes an appreciation for greater government involvement in distressed and excluded communities, as it raises awareness of the large scale of the social deterioration of the other America.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such an outcome is not particularly bad given the scale of global fiscal deterioration as governments fight the crisis, but does not say much about Mr Fico's skills as an economic managerAn unassailable lead?These difficulties would have been enough to severely damage a less skilled politician than Mr Fico.

The Economist

Although the Dutch original randomised control trial [ 26] found very large effect sizes on the performance scale of the Interview of Deterioration in Daily Living Activities in Dementia (at 12 weeks follow-up d-value = 2.4), the power of the WHEDA-study is calculated conservatively in order to detect small effects.

BMC Geriatrics

However, the two SF-36 scales showed no evidence of deterioration in overall physical or mental QoL for patients treated with epoetin alfa.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "scale of deterioration" to emphasize the magnitude of a negative change, particularly when comparing it to a previous state or a desired standard.

Common error

While "scale of deterioration" is a valid phrase, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider simpler alternatives like "how bad things are getting" or "the extent of the damage" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scale of deterioration" functions as a noun phrase used to describe the extent or magnitude of a decline. The phrase's role is to quantify or qualify the degree to which something has worsened. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scale of deterioration" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the extent or degree of decline. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it's appropriate for formal contexts like news reports and scientific writing where precision is valued. When employing the phrase, being specific about what is deteriorating and providing context are key to clear communication. Ludwig's analysis indicates that while the phrase is often found in news and scientific contexts, it is important to note the potential for it to sound overly formal in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seriousness of decline

Emphasizes the gravity or importance of the deteriorating situation.

extent of decline

Focuses on the degree to which something has diminished or worsened.

amount of decline

Emphasizes the overall quantity or measure of the downward trend.

scope of decline

Refers to the range or breadth of the negative trend.

magnitude of decay

Emphasizes the size or importance of the process of rotting or decomposition.

severity of damage

Emphasizes the intensity or seriousness of the harm inflicted.

range of deterioration

Focuses on the variety of aspects that are subject to decline.

degree of degradation

Highlights the level to which something has been reduced in quality or value.

depth of decay

Focuses on how profound or advanced the decomposition process is.

level of impairment

Focuses on the functional reduction or damage caused.

FAQs

How can I use "scale of deterioration" in a sentence?

You can use "scale of deterioration" to describe the extent or degree to which something is declining or worsening. For example, "The report highlighted the alarming scale of deterioration in the city's infrastructure."

What phrases are similar to "scale of deterioration"?

Alternatives include "extent of decline", "magnitude of decay", or "degree of degradation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "scale of deterioration" or "level of deterioration"?

Both "scale of deterioration" and "level of deterioration" are grammatically correct. "Scale" often implies a broader scope or range, while "level" might suggest a specific point on a defined measure.

What does "scale of deterioration" mean in the context of infrastructure?

In the context of infrastructure, "scale of deterioration" refers to the degree to which roads, bridges, buildings, or other public works are decaying or becoming damaged over time.