deteriorate
/dɪˈtɪəɹɪəɹeɪt/verb
To gradually become worse in quality, condition, or strength.
Example sentences
- “His health deteriorated quickly after the operation.”
- “Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since the election.”
- “The old bridge was left to deteriorate for decades.”
Usually used without an object: something deteriorates on its own, slowly rather than suddenly. The noun is 'deterioration'.