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de·te·ri·o·rate

deteriorate

 
 
pronunciation:
dih tir i reIt
parts of speech:
intransitive verb, transitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb)
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: deteriorates, deteriorating, deteriorated
definition 1: to decline or become inferior in value or quality; debase.
Since she started smoking, her health has deteriorated.Due to neglect, the condition of the property is deteriorating.Our friendship has deteriorated as a result of our political differences.The situation had deteriorated to the point where the two nations were on the brink of war.
antonyms:
ameliorate, improve
similar words:
decline, slip, suffer, wear
definition 2: to wear away; break down little by little.
The paint on all the shutters has deteriorated.
similar words:
corrode, molder, rot
 
part of speech: transitive verb
definition 1: to make inferior in value or quality; break down or cause damage to.
Eating poorly has deteriorated her health.
synonyms:
debase, hurt
antonyms:
ameliorate, improve, restore
definition 2: to erode; break (something) down little by little.
Rust deteriorates metal and weakens it.
synonyms:
corrode
similar words:
eat
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivation: deterioration (n.)