C1verb2K

UK/["/dɪˈtɪəriəreɪt/","/dɪˈtɪəriəreɪts/","/dɪˈtɪəriəreɪtɪd/","/dɪˈtɪəriəreɪtɪŋ/"]/US/["/dɪˈtɪriəreɪt/","/dɪˈtɪriəreɪts/","/dɪˈtɪriəreɪtɪd/","/dɪˈtɪriəreɪtɪŋ/"]/

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

Collocations with Deteriorate

Synonyms for Deteriorate

Opposites of Deteriorate

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.

Compare Deteriorate with Decline, Diminish, Collapse

Deteriorate appears in

Deteriorate in other languages

More words like Deteriorate

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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.