: the action or process of becoming impaired or inferior in quality, functioning, or condition : the state of having deteriorated rust deterioration the deterioration of academic standards.

What does deterioration mean by a doctor?

(dē-tēr'i-ō-rā'shŭn), The process or condition of becoming worse.

What is another term for deterioration?

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.