Deteriorate

Meanings

1. To become progressively worse
2. To decline in quality or condition
3. To degenerate

Example Sentences

• "The air quality in Delhi tends to deteriorate sharply during the winter months."
• "If left untreated, the patient's condition will continue to deteriorate."
• "The old heritage building began to deteriorate due to neglect and lack of maintenance."

Etymology

From Latin 'deteriorare' (to make worse), from 'deterior' (lower, inferior, worse), possibly from 'de-' (down) + a comparative form related to 'inter' (within).

Related Words