deterioration

/dɪtiriərˈeɪʃɪn/

/dɪtiriɔˈreɪʃən/

Other forms: deteriorations

If something is in a state of deterioration, it's getting worse. A crumbling old house with a caved-in roof and foot-tall weeds growing through the deck is going through deterioration.

Deterioration implies that things are falling apart: something once in good condition is now weakened, worn out, or otherwise in decline. Things often undergo deterioration because of neglect. Time also has a lot to do with deterioration. Museum curators are always worried about stopping the deterioration of their prized antiquities, like the ancient Egyptian mummies that should not be exposed to air.

Definitions of deterioration

1. noun

   the process of changing to an inferior state
   synonyms: declension, decline in quality, worsening

   types:

   drop-off, falling off, falloff, slack, slump

   a noticeable deterioration in performance or quality

   type of:

   decline, diminution

   change toward something smaller or lower
2. noun

   a symptom of reduced quality or strength
   synonyms: impairment

   types:

   corrosion

   a state of deterioration in metals caused by oxidation or chemical action

   desolation, devastation

   the state of being decayed or destroyed

   decrepitude, dilapidation

   a state of deterioration due to old age or long use

   wear

   impairment resulting from long use

   ruin, ruination

   an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction

   blight

   a state or condition being blighted

   type of:

   decay

   an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying