Deteriorate
(verb)
- To become worse or decline in quality, condition, or quantity.
- To cause to become worse or decline in quality, condition, or quantity.
- To cause to become weaker, less effective, or less successful.
- To cause a decline in the condition or value of something, especially through neglect or misuse.
- To become progressively worse or more serious over time.
Origin:
Late 16th century: from latin deteriorat- 'become worse', from the verb deteriorare, from deterior 'worse'.
Examples:
- The quality of the food deteriorated after being left in the sun for too long.
- The country's economy deteriorated due to inflation and high unemployment rates.
- His health deteriorated after a long illness.
- The roads in the city are deteriorating due to lack of maintenance.
- The company's reputation has deteriorated due to recent scandals.