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- 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
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| definition 2: |
to wear away; break down little by little.
The paint on all the shutters has deteriorated.- similar words:
- corrode, molder, rot
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| related words: |
adulterate, age, corrode, decay, decompose, depress, fade, fail, lose, perish, shrivel, slump, wane, waste, wear, wilt |
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| 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
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| definition 2: |
to erode; break (something) down little by little.
Rust deteriorates metal and weakens it.- synonyms:
- corrode
- similar words:
- eat
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| derivation: |
deterioration (n.) |
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