deterioration

/di,tiəriə'reiʃn/

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Word: Deterioration

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Deterioration means the process of becoming worse or declining in quality. It can refer to physical objects, health, or situations. When something deteriorates, it loses its good condition or strength.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "deterioration" to describe anything that is declining in quality or condition.
• It is often used in formal contexts, such as health reports, environmental discussions, or discussions about materials and structures.

Example Sentences:

1. The deterioration of the old building was evident; the walls were crumbling, and the roof was leaking.
2. After years of neglect, the deterioration of the park made it unsafe for children to play there.
3. His health showed signs of deterioration after he stopped exercising.

Advanced Usage:

• Deterioration can be used in a variety of contexts, such as:
  • Environmental Deterioration: Referring to the declining quality of natural environments due to pollution or human activity.
  • Cognitive Deterioration: Describing the decline in mental functions, often associated with aging or diseases like Alzheimer's.

Word Variants:

• Deteriorate (verb): The action of becoming worse.
  • Example: "The road began to deteriorate after the heavy rains."
• Deteriorating (adjective): Describing something that is in the process of getting worse.
  • Example: "The deteriorating situation in the city required immediate attention."

Different Meanings:

While "deterioration" primarily refers to a decline in quality, it can sometimes be used in more abstract contexts, such as moral or social deterioration, indicating a decline in ethical standards or community well-being.

Synonyms:

• Decline
• Diminishment
• Degeneration
• Degradation
• Regression

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Fall apart: To deteriorate or become unstable.

  • Example: "Their friendship started to fall apart after the argument."

• Go downhill: To get worse or deteriorate over time.

  • Example: "After the company lost its main client, things started to go downhill quickly."

In Summary:

"Deterioration" is a noun that describes the process of something becoming worse in quality or condition. It can refer to physical objects, health, or even social situations.

Academic

Noun

1. process of changing to an inferior state
2. a symptom of reduced quality or strength

Synonyms

• decline in quality
• declension
• worsening
• impairment