détérioration
/de.te.ʁjɔ.ʁa.sjɔ̃/
In French, the word for the English phrase "deteriorating" is détérioration.
détérioration refers to the process of becoming worse in quality or condition over time. When you want to describe the actual process of something worsening, you can use the reflexive verb se détériorer.
How does it change in a sentence?
détérioration is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/de.te.ʁjɔ.ʁa.sjɔ̃/. It has 5 syllables.
Did you know?
- When describing a deteriorating relationship, French speakers frequently use the phrase s'envenimer, which literally means 'to become poisonous'.
- French has a specific term délabrement for the détérioration of a building, which implies it is falling into a state of complete ruin.
- While détérioration is a noun, French uses the adverb de pire en pire to describe the actual feeling of something deteriorating in real time.
Examples in context
- La situation économique se dégrade chaque jourThe economic situation is deteriorating every day
- La santé du patient se détériore rapidementThe patient's health is deteriorating rapidly
- La pollution s'aggrave de jour en jourPollution is deteriorating/ getting worse day by day
- Nos relations avec le voisinage vont de mal en pisOur relationship with the neighbors is deteriorating
- Depuis le divorce, sa vie personnelle est tombée en lambeauxSince the divorce, his personal life has fallen apart
- Les infrastructures de la ville s'effritent rapidementThe city's infrastructure is deteriorating quickly
- L'équipe de football voit sa performance se dégraderThe football team sees its performance deteriorate
- On observe une détérioration du climat.We are observing a deterioration of the climate.
- Une détérioration rapide de l'état de santé est possible.A rapid deterioration of health is possible.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are looking at an old house.
- NathanRegarde la détérioration de ce mur.Look at the deterioration of this wall.
- LéaC'est vrai, c'est vraiment inquiétant.That's true, it's really worrying.
- NathanIl faut faire des travaux rapidement.We need to do some work quickly.
- LéaJe suis d'accord avec toi, Nathan.I agree with you, Nathan.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry détérioration, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
