deteriorate

/dɪˈtiriəreɪt/

/dɪˈtiriɔreɪt/

Other forms: deteriorated; deteriorating; deteriorates

When something gets worse due to neglect or an unfortunate health problem, stuff starts to deteriorate — or fall apart.

The word deteriorate describes anytime something gets worse. Due to neglect, a relationship can deteriorate but so can the American highway system. Sadly, there seems to be no end to applications for the word deteriorate. And, the truth is at a certain age we all start deteriorating too.

Definitions of deteriorate

1. verb

   become worse or disintegrate
   “His mind deteriorated”

   types:

   go to pot, go to the dogs

   become ruined

   wear, wear down, wear off, wear out, wear thin

   deteriorate through use or stress

   ablate

   wear away through erosion or vaporization

   scuff

   get or become scuffed

   type of:

   crumble, decay, dilapidate

   fall into decay or ruin
2. verb

   grow worse
   “Her condition deteriorated”

   synonyms: degenerate, devolve, drop

   antonyms:

   recuperate

   get over an illness or shock

   recuperate

   restore to good health or strength

   types:

   fatigue, jade, pall, tire, weary

   lose interest or become bored with something or somebody

   fade, languish

   become feeble

   rot, waste

   become physically weaker

   gangrene, mortify, necrose, sphacelate

   undergo necrosis

   conk out, peter out, poop out, run down, run out

   use up all one's strength and energy and stop working

   retire, withdraw

   lose interest

   type of:

   decline, worsen

   grow worse