n.
Pronunciation: di- ˌ tir- ē - ə - ' r ā -sh ə n, d ē -
Function: noun
Date: circa 1658
: the action or process of deteriorating : the state of having deteriorated
synonyms DETERIORATION , DEGENERATION , DECADENCE , DECLINE mean the falling from a higher to a lower level in quality, character, or vitality. DETERIORATION implies generally the impairment of value or usefulness <the deterioration of the house through neglect>. DEGENERATION stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression <the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism>. DECADENCE presupposes a reaching and passing the peak of development and implies a turn downward with a consequent loss in vitality or energy <cited love of luxury as a sign of cultural decadence >. DECLINE differs from DECADENCE in suggesting a more markedly downward direction and greater momentum as well as more obvious evidence of deterioration <the meteoric decline of his career after the scandal>.