deterioration

Everyday

1. The process of becoming worse in quality, condition or health. tree →
2. (science) The slow breaking down of materials, such as wood rotting or metal rusting. tree →

In the lessons

In science: deterioration of materials over time — rust, rot, fading. In health and family life: a doctor may notice a deterioration in a patient's condition. In geography and history: deterioration of buildings, roads, or relations between countries. Phrases: «deterioration in», «deterioration of», «rapid deterioration», «a sudden deterioration».

Examples

• There has been a deterioration in the weather, so the match is cancelled. tree →
• The nurse watched for any deterioration in Grandma's health. tree →
• The deterioration of the old bridge made it unsafe. tree →
• Rust causes the deterioration of iron gates. tree →
• Teachers noticed a deterioration in his handwriting. tree →
• Damp led to the deterioration of the books in the shed. tree →

Note

Verb: «deteriorate» (to get worse). Spelling: de-te-ri-o-ra-tion; many people wrongly say «deteoration» — keep the «-ior-». Opposite: «improvement».