First Known Use: 1572
Dictionary
deteriorate
verb de·te·ri·o·rate \di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt, dē-\
: to become worse as time passes
: to make (something) worse
de·te·ri·o·rat·edde·te·ri·o·rat·ing
Full Definition of DETERIORATE
transitive verb
1
: to make inferior in quality or value : impair
2
intransitive verb
: to become impaired in quality, functioning, or condition : degenerate <allowed a tradition of academic excellence to deteriorate> <his health deteriorated>
— de·te·ri·o·ra·tive \-ˌrā-tiv\ adjective
See deteriorate defined for English-language learners
See deteriorate defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of DETERIORATE
Related to DETERIORATE
Rhymes with DETERIORATE
circumambulate, circumnavigate, contraindicate, decontaminate, differentiate, disambiguate, disassociate, discombobulate, disorientate, disproportionate, excommunicate, expiration date, free-associate, hyperventilate, incapacitate, intermediate, interpenetrate, misappropriate, multivariate, overcompensate, overpopulate, ratiocinate, recapitulate, rehabilitate, renegotiate, superannuate, supersaturate, transubstantiate, underestimate
DETERIORATED Defined for Kids
deteriorate
verb de·te·ri·o·rate \di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt\
de·te·ri·o·rat·edde·te·ri·o·rat·ing
Definition of DETERIORATE for Kids
: to make or become worse or of less value <Their relationship deteriorated.>
Medical Dictionary
deteriorate
intransitive verb de·te·ri·o·rate \di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt\
de·te·ri·o·rat·edde·te·ri·o·rat·ing
Medical Definition of DETERIORATE
: to become impaired in quality, functioning, or condition : degenerate <her health deteriorated> <deteriorating vision>
Learn More About DETERIORATE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: deteriorationPrevious Word in the Dictionary: deteriorableAll Words Near: deteriorate
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up deteriorate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).