Word
deteriorate
To deteriorate means to become worse in quality, condition, or performance over time.
Meanings
to become worse in quality, condition, or effectiveness
to make something become worse in quality, condition, or effectiveness
Definition
When something deteriorates, it gradually declines from a better state to a worse one. This can describe physical objects, situations, relationships, or a person’s condition. It often suggests a noticeable change caused by time, stress, neglect, or poor circumstances.
Examples
- Without regular maintenance, the old bridge began to deteriorate faster than engineers had predicted.
- After weeks of unresolved tension, their working relationship started to deteriorate during meetings.
- If you store the painting in direct sunlight, the colors will deteriorate and lose their depth.
- As the conflict escalated, the security situation continued to deteriorate despite repeated negotiations.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse deteriorate (become worse) with deteriorate into, which is uncommon; use deteriorate or deteriorate to instead (e.g., 'deteriorate to chaos').
More at C1 level
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More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
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