deteriorate

deteriorate

CEFR: C1-C2 /de-te-ri-o-rate/ [d.ih0.t.ih1.r.iy0.er0.ey2.t]

Uses as the intransitive verb, deteriorate” means getting worse. The environment can deteriorate as well, due to human activity. For example

Example Sentences:
The global environment is deteriorating at an unprecedented rate.

The health and weather can deteriorate as well. For example:

Example Sentences:
My health began to deteriorate quite seriously.
The weather gradually deteriorated as the day went on.

Uses as the transitive verb, “deteriorate” mean making something worse. For example

Example Sentences:
Runoffs of agricultural wastes, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides into marine and freshwater environments have deteriorated the quality of wildlife habitats.