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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun deterioration differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deterioration are decadence, decline, and degeneration. While all these words mean "the falling from a higher to a lower level in quality, character, or vitality," deterioration implies generally the impairment of value or usefulness.

the deterioration of the house through neglect

When can decadence be used instead of deterioration?

In some situations, the words decadence and deterioration are roughly equivalent. However, decadence presupposes a reaching and passing the peak of development and implies a turn downward with a consequent loss in vitality or energy.

cited love of luxury as a sign of cultural decadence

How do decline and decadence relate to one another, in the sense of deterioration?

Decline differs from decadence in suggesting a more markedly downward direction and greater momentum as well as more obvious evidence of deterioration.

the meteoric decline of his career after the scandal

When could degeneration be used to replace deterioration?

The words degeneration and deterioration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deterioration Here’s what else investors will be watching: Monday, March 24 The preliminary purchasing manager index (PMI) numbers for March probably showed economic deterioration. Josh Fellman, Quartz, 23 Mar. 2025 Prudent associations set aside money each month to offset the ongoing deterioration of major capital components (roofs, asphalt, paint, etc.). Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025 Kahle, who early on recognized the ephemeral nature of the web, said the rapid deterioration of the living web is a serious threat to historical preservation. Emma Bowman, NPR, 23 Mar. 2025 Of course, however, a severe deterioration in the U.S. economy would have global repercussions. Sarah Min, CNBC, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deterioration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterioration
Noun
  • This is, in part, about the degradation, devaluation, and replacement of writers.
    Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Soil degradation, water scarcity, and climate volatility have become immediate operational threats.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Since then, the levels have been adjusted to a maximum of 0.7 ppm or 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water, which is considered optimal for preventing tooth decay.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Weak or absent pulse Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Some people with severe arterial blockages develop chronic limb-threatening ischemia (insufficient blood flow), which can cause severe, constant pain, gangrene (tissue decay), and even limb loss (amputation).
    Alicen Nelson MD, Verywell Health, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Apparel exports from Turkey saw a decline of 6 percent in January-February 2025, and a drop of 4.47 percent year-on-year in 2024, with the last month of the year falling almost 11 percent.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Walmart's stock has experienced a notable decline amid a nationwide boycott and broader market volatility.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In contrast, during 2016-16 the lunar declination varied from only 18.5 degrees north to 18.5 degrees south.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Red and declinations to rust and burgundy at Ferragamo and Bottega Veneta.
    WWD, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019

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Cite this Entry

“Deterioration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterioration. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deterioration

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