noun
deterioration
dih-teer-reer-RAY-shuhn
noun
1
The process of becoming worse, or the resulting worse state.
"The report noted a steady deterioration in air quality."
"Years of damp caused serious deterioration of the walls."
How to Use Deterioration
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe gradual worsening of something.
Common pairings
rapid deterioration
deterioration in health
signs of deterioration
Word Forms
deteriorations plural
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The report noted a steady _____ in air quality.
Etymology
From French détérioration, built from deteriorate + -ion.