When something gets worse due to neglect or an unfortunate health problem, stuff starts to deteriorate — or fall apart. The word deteriorate describes anytime something gets worse. Due to neglect, a relationship can deteriorate but so can the American highway system.

What does it mean when something is deteriorating?

transitive verb. 1 : to make inferior in quality or value : impair Exposure to sunlight may deteriorate the paint. 2 : disintegrate. intransitive verb. : to become impaired in quality, functioning, or condition : degenerate allowed a tradition of academic excellence to deteriorate his health deteriorated.

What is the synonym of the word deteriorate?

decay, degrade, degenerate, break down, decompose, rot, putrefy, go bad, go off, spoil, perish. wither, atrophy, weaken, fade, break up, disintegrate, become dilapidated, crumble, fall down, collapse, fall apart, fall to pieces. archaic corrupt.