deterioramento

deterioration, decline

noun deh-teh-ryoh-rah-MEN-toh Rare

Origin: From deteriorare, from Latin deteriorare (to make worse).

Usage Note

Deterioramento is used for physical decay (deterioramento dei materiali) and abstract decline (deterioramento delle relazioni). The verb is deteriorarsi (reflexive, to deteriorate), which takes essere as auxiliary. Do not confuse with peggioramento (worsening of a situation), which is more subjective.

Examples

"Si nota un deterioramento della qualità dell'aria."

Natural Translation

A deterioration in air quality is noticeable.

Literal Translation

One-notices a deterioration of-the quality of-the air.

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