deteriorate, deteriorates, deteriorating, deteriorated 1. To become or to make something worse in quality, value, or strength. 2. To diminish or to impair in quality, character, or value. 3. To grow worse in function or condition; to degenerate. 4. To weaken or to disintegrate; to decay. Found on http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/4307/