deteriorate

Everyday

1. To deteriorate means to become worse, more and more, over time. tree →
2. (things) Buildings, food, roads or materials deteriorate when they wear out, rot or break down. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life it is used for weather, health, behaviour or things getting worse: «the weather deteriorated». In science it describes food going off, metal rusting or old paper falling apart. In stories it builds tension: «Her health deteriorated». Opposite: improve. Phrases: «deteriorate rapidly», «a deteriorating situation».

Examples

• The weather deteriorated, so the match was called off. tree →
• Grandpa's eyesight has deteriorated with age. tree →
• Without a roof, the old castle deteriorated quickly. tree →
• Fruit deteriorates fast in hot weather. tree →
• His behaviour deteriorated after lunch. tree →
• The road surface has deteriorated badly over the winter. tree →
• The patient's condition deteriorated overnight. tree →

Note

Regular verb: deteriorated. Noun: deterioration. Pronounced «di-TEER-ee-uh-rate» (five syllables); a common mistake is to say or write «deteriate». It is a formal word for «get worse». It is intransitive: something deteriorates by itself; you do not «deteriorate something».