noun
1.
a falling from a higher to a lower level (as of quality or character)
the deterioration of business during the depression
Synonyms: atrophy, decadence, declension, declination, decline, degeneracy, degeneration, dégringolade, devaluation, devolution, downfall, downgrade, ruin
Related Word: impairment, spoiling; crumbling, decay, decaying, decomposition, disintegration, dissolution, dry rot, rotting; debasement, degradation; depreciation, lessening; dislocation, disruption
Contrasted words: betterment, help; enhancement, heightening, improvement
Antonyms: amelioration
2.
Synonyms: failure 4, declination, decline, ebbing, waning
Contrasted words: convalescence, recovering, recuperation
Antonyms: improvement