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ReadingWillow structured literacy program for Australian students

Dictionary Entry

deteriorate

verb

Find the meaning of the word deteriorate, plus dictionary definition, pronunciation, thesaurus-style synonyms, antonyms, and related vocabulary.

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1

Meaning

Dictionary meaning in a clear, student-friendly format.

To become progressively worse in quality, condition, or value.

Example Sentence

Without proper maintenance, the old bridge began to deteriorate rapidly, making it unsafe for traffic.

Usage Note

You can use "deteriorate" to describe something that is getting worse over time, like a person's health, the condition of a building, or the quality of a relationship. It implies a gradual decline from a better state.