Meaning of Deteriorate
to become worse
In simple words: to become worse over time
Deteriorate in a sentence
- Her health deteriorated rapidly, and she died shortly afterwards.
- They had to cope with deteriorating weather conditions.
- The discussion quickly deteriorated into an angry argument.
- Relations between the two countries have deteriorated further this week.
- The situation is likely to deteriorate unless something is done now.
- The unrest rapidly deteriorated into civil war.
- The overall quality of rivers and canals has deteriorated.
How to use Deteriorate
Used in both speaking and writing to describe things that are getting worse, such as physical health, buildings, or relationships. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing specific issues.
Grammar pattern
deteriorate + (subject)
Memory hint
Sounds like 'the tear rate' — imagine something wearing out quickly.
Related words
Common mistakes with Deteriorate
- Confused with 'depreciate' when discussing value loss.
- Used intransitively, e.g., 'The situation deteriorates.' should specify what is deteriorating.
- Overusing it in contexts where simpler words like 'get worse' could apply.
Deteriorate appears in
Deteriorate in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
يتدهور
أن يصبح أسوأ مع مرور الوقت
- Bengaliবাংলা
খারাপ হওয়া, অবনতি হওয়া
সময়ের সাথে সাথে আরও খারাপ হয়ে যাওয়া
- GermanDeutsch
sich verschlechtern, verfallen
mit der Zeit schlechter werden
- SpanishEspañol
Deteriorarse, Empeorar
Empeorar con el tiempo
- Persianفارسی
بدتر شدن
بدتر شدن در طول زمان
- FrenchFrançais
Se détériorer
devenir pire avec le temps
- Hindiहिन्दी
बिगड़ना
समय के साथ बदतर हो जाना
- ItalianItaliano
Deteriorare
peggiorare col tempo
- PortuguesePortuguês
Deteriorar
ficar pior com o tempo
- RussianРусский
Ухудшаться, Портиться, Деградировать
со временем становиться хуже
- Urduاردو
خراب ہونا، بگڑنا
وقت کے ساتھ ساتھ بدتر ہو جانا
- Chinese中文
恶化, 变坏
随着时间推移变得更糟
More words like Deteriorate
- Decline
- Diminish
- Collapse
- AbolishC1
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.
- AbortionC1
the deliberate ending of a pregnancy at an early stage
- AbsenceC1
the fact of somebody being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when somebody is away
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Frequently asked questions about Deteriorate
What does Deteriorate mean?
to become worse over time
What is the definition of Deteriorate?
to become worse
How do you use Deteriorate in a sentence?
Her health deteriorated rapidly, and she died shortly afterwards.
Can you give another example of Deteriorate?
They had to cope with deteriorating weather conditions.
What are synonyms for Deteriorate?
Common alternatives include decline, worsen, degenerate, diminish, collapse.
What is the opposite of Deteriorate?
Opposite meanings include improve, enhance, repair.
What words go with Deteriorate?
It commonly pairs with badly, seriously, severely, begin to, continue to, be likely to, into.
What are common mistakes when using Deteriorate?
Confused with 'depreciate' when discussing value loss. Used intransitively, e.g., 'The situation deteriorates.' should specify what is deteriorating. Overusing it in contexts where simpler words like 'get worse' could apply.
How do you pronounce Deteriorate?
US: /["/dɪˈtɪriəreɪt/","/dɪˈtɪriəreɪts/","/dɪˈtɪriəreɪtɪd/","/dɪˈtɪriəreɪtɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈtɪəriəreɪt/","/dɪˈtɪəriəreɪts/","/dɪˈtɪəriəreɪtɪd/","/dɪˈtɪəriəreɪtɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Deteriorate?
Used in both speaking and writing to describe things that are getting worse, such as physical health, buildings, or relationships. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing specific issues.
What CEFR level is Deteriorate?
"Deteriorate" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.
