🇬🇧 Deteriorate meaning: English Vocabulary Flash Card

"Deteriorate" is a verb that means to gradually become worse in quality, condition, or value. It often refers to things like health, relationships, or physical objects that decline or degrade over time.

My patience deteriorates every time my little brother borrows my stuff without asking.

I left my sandwich in my backpack for a week, and it has deteriorated into something that might now be alive.

My love for math quickly deteriorated the moment I saw how long the homework was.

My confidence deteriorated when I tripped over my own feet while trying to look cool.

Mom said my room has deteriorated from “a little messy” to “a disaster zone.”

She watched the garden swing deteriorate; the rope began to fray, the wood would deteriorate, the paint would deteriorate, the metal links would deteriorate, and the ring of laughter would deteriorate into silence. She tied a new rope, cleaned the wood, and let the first small creak bring a quiet smile.

This word is at the C1 level, which means it’s part of advanced English. It’s used in sophisticated conversations, professional settings, and academic discussions. Words at this level help you express yourself fluently and precisely in nuanced situations.

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