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B1 verb 13 min read

deteriorar

Examples
Explanation deteriorar in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'deteriorar' might seem a bit advanced, but you can understand it as a way to say something is 'getting bad'. Think of your favorite toy or a piece of fruit. If you leave a banana on the table for a week, it starts to 'deteriorar' (get worse). At this stage, you don't need to use the word often, but you might see it in simple signs like 'No deteriorar el mobiliario' (Do not damage the furniture). It is a regular verb, so it conjugates just like 'hablar'. I deteriorate = yo deterioro; you deteriorate = tú deterioras. Even though it's a long word, its meaning is simple: something was good, and now it is becoming less good. You can remember it by looking at the first part 'deterior-', which is very similar to the English word 'deteriorate'. In A1, we focus on things we can see, like a house that needs paint or a book with torn pages. These things are 'deterioradas' (deteriorated). Just remember that it usually happens slowly over time, not all at once. If you break a glass, you say 'romper', but if a house gets old and ugly, you can say 'deteriorar'. This word helps you describe the world around you more clearly than just saying 'malo' (bad). Try to notice it when you look at old things in your neighborhood.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'deteriorar' to describe your belongings or the environment. It is a useful verb for talking about why things don't work as well as they used to. For example, you can say 'Mi coche se está deteriorando' (My car is deteriorating) if it's getting old and has many small problems. This is more descriptive than just saying 'mi coche es viejo'. At this level, you should also learn the reflexive form: 'deteriorarse'. This is very important because we often talk about things getting worse on their own. 'La comida se deteriora con el calor' (Food gets worse with heat). You can also use the past participle 'deteriorado' as an adjective. 'Vi un edificio deteriorado en el centro' (I saw a deteriorated building downtown). This helps you expand your vocabulary for describing places and objects. You might also hear this word in basic health contexts, like 'su visión se deterioró' (his vision got worse). By using 'deteriorar', you show that you understand that some processes take time. It's a great word to use when you want to sound a little more serious or precise in your Spanish conversations. It fits well into topics like 'The House', 'Health', and 'The Environment' which are common at A2.
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At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more abstract and professional topics, and 'deteriorar' is a key verb for this. You should use it to describe not just physical objects, but also relationships, economic situations, and social issues. For example, you might say, 'La relación entre los vecinos se deterioró por el ruido' (The relationship between the neighbors deteriorated because of the noise). This is a 'threshold' level where you move from simple descriptions to explaining causes and effects. You should be comfortable using 'deteriorar' in various tenses, including the present perfect ('se ha deteriorado') and the subjunctive ('espero que no se deteriore'). You will encounter this word frequently in news articles and intermediate reading materials. It's important to distinguish 'deteriorar' from synonyms like 'dañar' or 'estropear'. While 'estropear' is common for mechanical failures (like a car engine), 'deteriorar' is better for the gradual loss of quality (like the paint on the car). Using 'deteriorar' correctly in your B1 speaking exams will impress the examiner because it shows a grasp of 'register'—knowing when to use a more formal word instead of a basic one. It's also a common word in the context of 'Sustainability' and 'Heritage', which are frequent B1 exam topics. You should be able to discuss how pollution deteriorates the environment or how tourism can deteriorate historical monuments.
At the B2 level, you should use 'deteriorar' with nuance and precision. You are now able to participate in debates and write detailed reports, where this verb is essential for discussing trends and consequences. For instance, in a business context, you might discuss how 'la imagen de la marca se ha deteriorado debido al escándalo' (the brand's image has deteriorated due to the scandal). You should also be aware of the noun form, 'el deterioro'. Phrases like 'el deterioro de la capa de ozono' (the depletion/deterioration of the ozone layer) or 'el deterioro cognitivo' (cognitive decline) are part of the B2 vocabulary. You should also be able to use the verb in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'Si no hubiéramos actuado, la situación se habría deteriorado aún más' (If we hadn't acted, the situation would have deteriorated even more). At this level, you should also understand the difference in nuance between 'deteriorar' and 'degradar' or 'menoscabar'. While 'deteriorar' focuses on the loss of quality, 'menoscabar' often refers to the loss of prestige or rights. Your ability to choose the most precise term will reflect your advanced understanding of Spanish. You will find 'deteriorar' in literature, editorial pieces, and academic texts, and you should be able to analyze how it contributes to the tone of the text. It is no longer just a word for 'getting bad'; it is a tool for describing complex processes of decline in society, science, and the arts.
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At the C1 level, 'deteriorar' is a foundational word upon which you build even more sophisticated expressions. You should be able to use it effortlessly in high-level academic or professional environments. You will recognize its use in legal documents (e.g., 'deterioro de la propiedad'), medical journals ('deterioro funcional'), and economic analyses ('deterioro de los términos de intercambio'). At this level, you should be sensitive to the collocations of 'deteriorar'. For example, you might see it paired with adverbs like 'irremediablemente', 'progresivamente', or 'ostensiblemente'. You should also be able to use the verb metaphorically in complex arguments, such as 'el discurso político se deteriora cuando se basa en falacias' (political discourse deteriorates when it is based on fallacies). Your mastery of the verb includes knowing its related forms and their specific uses, such as 'deterioro' (noun) and 'deteriorante' (adjective/participle). You should also be able to contrast 'deteriorar' with very specific synonyms like 'viciar', 'corromper', or 'pervertir' depending on whether you are talking about air quality, ethics, or language. A C1 learner uses 'deteriorar' to weave together complex ideas about cause and effect in long-form writing and spontaneous speech. You should also be aware of how the word is used in different Spanish-speaking regions, though it is generally a standard term throughout the Hispanosphere. Ultimately, at C1, 'deteriorar' is a word you use not just to communicate a fact, but to convey a specific perspective on the nature of change and decay.
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At the C2 level, 'deteriorar' is a word you command with total mastery, using it with the same precision and stylistic flair as a highly educated native speaker. You are aware of its every connotation and can use it in the most formal or poetic contexts. For instance, you might use it in a literary analysis to describe 'el deterioro moral del protagonista' (the moral deterioration of the protagonist) or in a high-level scientific paper discussing 'el deterioro de los enlaces moleculares' (the deterioration of molecular bonds). You should be able to use the verb and its derivatives to express subtle shades of meaning, such as the difference between a 'estado deteriorado' (a state of disrepair) and a 'proceso deteriorativo' (a worsening process). You are also expected to recognize 'deteriorar' in classical literature and modern philosophical texts, where it may be used to discuss the entropy of the universe or the frailty of human institutions. At this level, your use of the word is characterized by its integration into complex, multi-clause sentences and its pairing with a rich array of adjectives and adverbs. You might say, 'A pesar de los ingentes esfuerzos por restaurar el fresco, las condiciones higrotérmicas de la cripta han acabado por deteriorar la policromía de forma casi irreversible'. This shows not just a knowledge of the word, but an ability to place it within a highly specialized and grammatically sophisticated context. For a C2 speaker, 'deteriorar' is a versatile instrument in a vast linguistic orchestra, used to describe the inevitable and often tragic decline of both the physical and the metaphysical world.
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Examples

The Spanish verb deteriorar is a sophisticated and essential term for anyone moving beyond the basics of the Spanish language. At its core, it describes the process of something becoming worse in quality, condition, or value over time or due to specific external factors. Unlike simpler verbs like 'romper' (to break) which implies a sudden cessation of function, deteriorar suggests a gradual decline, a wearing away, or a steady loss of integrity. It is used in a wide variety of contexts, from the physical weathering of a building to the metaphorical breakdown of a diplomatic relationship. In many cases, you will encounter the pronominal form, deteriorarse, which is used when the subject itself is the thing getting worse (e.g., 'The health of the patient deteriorated').

Physical Decay
Used when describing the effects of time, weather, or neglect on structures and materials. For example, 'El clima extremo puede deteriorar la fachada del edificio' (The extreme weather can deteriorate the facade of the building).

La falta de mantenimiento comenzó a deteriorar el antiguo puente de madera.

Health and Well-being
Commonly used in medical contexts to describe a patient's worsening state. 'Su salud se ha deteriorado rápidamente' (His health has deteriorated rapidly).

In professional environments, deteriorar is the word of choice for discussing economic indicators, social conditions, or environmental standards. It carries a certain weight and formality that more common verbs like 'ponerse mal' lack. If you are reading a newspaper in Spanish, you will frequently see headlines like 'La situación económica se deteriora' (The economic situation is deteriorating). This versatility makes it a high-frequency word in media and academic writing. Furthermore, the concept of deterioration is central to many Spanish cultural discussions regarding historical preservation and the protection of national heritage sites, where 'deteriorar' is the standard term for describing the damage caused by tourism or pollution.

Es vital evitar que el ambiente se siga deteriorando por la contaminación industrial.

Interpersonal Relationships
Used to describe the breakdown of trust or communication. 'La falta de comunicación deterioró su matrimonio' (The lack of communication deteriorated their marriage).

No permitas que los malentendidos deterioren nuestra larga amistad.

Understanding the nuance between the active 'deteriorar' (to cause damage) and the reflexive 'deteriorarse' (to undergo damage) is key. If you say 'El sol deteriora la pintura', you are pointing at the sun as the cause. If you say 'La pintura se deteriora con el sol', you are focusing on the paint's state. This distinction is vital for accurate communication in Spanish. As you progress toward B2 and C1 levels, you will find that using deteriorar instead of simpler words like 'dañar' or 'arruinar' will significantly elevate the quality of your spoken and written expression, making you sound more like a native speaker who understands the subtleties of physical and metaphorical decay.

El paso del tiempo suele deteriorar incluso los materiales más resistentes.

La calidad del aire se ha deteriorado significativamente en esta década.

Using deteriorar correctly requires an understanding of its conjugation and its two primary modes: transitive and pronominal. When used transitively, 'deteriorar' takes a direct object—the thing that is being made worse. For example, 'La humedad deteriora los libros' (Humidity deteriorates the books). Here, 'la humedad' is the subject and 'los libros' is the direct object. This structure is common when identifying a specific culprit for the damage. In contrast, the pronominal form 'deteriorarse' is used when the focus is on the object undergoing the change, often without mentioning a direct cause, or when the cause is introduced with a preposition like 'con' or 'por'.

Transitive Usage (Action on something)
Structure: [Subject] + [deteriorar] + [Direct Object]. Example: 'El ácido deterioró la superficie de metal' (The acid deteriorated the metal surface).

No debemos permitir que las mentiras deterioren nuestra confianza mutua.

Reflexive/Pronominal Usage (State change)
Structure: [Subject] + [se deteriora]. Example: 'La casa se está deteriorando porque nadie vive allí' (The house is deteriorating because no one lives there).

When discussing abstract concepts, deteriorar is often paired with nouns like 'relación', 'situación', 'imagen', or 'clima'. For instance, 'Su comportamiento deterioró su imagen pública' (His behavior deteriorated his public image). Notice how the verb provides a more formal tone than 'arruinó' (ruined). In academic writing, you will often see it in the passive voice or as a past participle acting as an adjective: 'un edificio deteriorado' (a deteriorated building). This adjectival use is extremely common when describing urban blight or neglected infrastructure.

La situación política se ha deteriorado tras las últimas elecciones.

Common Tenses
Present: 'Se deteriora'. Imperfect: 'Se deterioraba' (It was deteriorating). Future: 'Se deteriorará'. Subjunctive: 'Espero que no se deteriore'.

Si no cuidamos el planeta, el ecosistema se deteriorará irreversiblemente.

Finally, consider the intensity of the word. It implies a process. If a glass falls and breaks, you don't say 'el vaso se deterioró'; you say 'el vaso se rompió'. Use deteriorar when you want to emphasize the gradual loss of quality or the cumulative effect of negative influences. This makes it perfect for describing the effects of smoking on lungs, the impact of inflation on purchasing power, or the way a friendship fades over years of neglect. By choosing this verb, you communicate a sense of duration and progression that simpler verbs simply cannot convey.

Muchos monumentos históricos se deterioran debido a la lluvia ácida.

El constante estrés laboral puede deteriorar gravemente tu salud mental.

In the Spanish-speaking world, deteriorar isn't just a word for textbooks; it's a staple of daily news and formal discourse. If you turn on a news channel like RTVE (Spain) or CNN en Español, you will hear it used in reports about the economy, infrastructure, and international relations. Reporters often use it to provide a objective, serious tone when discussing negative trends. For example, 'Las relaciones diplomáticas entre los dos países se han deteriorado' is a classic news phrase. It avoids the emotional weight of 'se han arruinado' while remaining clear about the negative direction of the situation.

The Evening News
Reporters use it to describe the state of the economy: 'El poder adquisitivo de los ciudadanos se deteriora ante la inflación rampante'.

El informe advierte que la infraestructura vial se seguirá deteriorando sin inversión.

Medical Consultations
Doctors use it to discuss chronic conditions: 'Es importante actuar antes de que la función pulmonar se deteriore más'.

In the classroom or academic settings, professors use deteriorar when discussing history (the decline of empires), science (the degradation of materials), or sociology (the breakdown of social fabrics). It is a 'bridge word' that connects everyday observation with high-level analysis. For instance, a sociology student might write about how 'la cohesión social se deteriora en las zonas urbanas marginales'. This makes the word indispensable for students aiming for the DELE exams or academic success in a Spanish-speaking country. It's also frequently found in literature, where authors use it to describe the melancholy of old houses or the fading beauty of a character.

La calidad de vida en la ciudad se ha deteriorado por el aumento del ruido.

Environmental Activism
NGOs often use the word in campaigns: 'No dejes que nuestro patrimonio natural se deteriore'.

El uso excesivo de químicos puede deteriorar la fertilidad del suelo.

You will also find deteriorar in technical manuals and warranty documents. If a manual says 'ciertas condiciones pueden deteriorar el rendimiento del motor', it's warning you about performance loss. This practical application shows that the word is far from being purely academic. Whether you are reading a contract, listening to a podcast about social issues, or talking to a doctor about a long-term injury, 'deteriorar' will appear as the precise way to describe a decline. It is one of those words that, once you learn it, you start seeing and hearing everywhere, proving its utility in the modern Spanish lexicon.

Los expertos temen que el clima social se deteriore antes de las elecciones.

Su vista se ha deteriorado debido a la edad avanzada.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with deteriorar is failing to use the reflexive 'se' when the situation calls for it. In English, 'deteriorate' can be used without a reflexive pronoun ('The situation deteriorated'). In Spanish, however, if something is deteriorating by itself or as an intransitive process, you must use 'deteriorarse'. Saying 'La situación deterioró' sounds incomplete or incorrect to a native ear; it should be 'La situación se deterioró'. Always ask yourself: Is something doing the deteriorating to an object, or is the object just getting worse? If it's the latter, add the 'se'.

Reflexive Omission
Mistake: 'Su salud deterioró'. Correct: 'Su salud se deterioró'. The reflexive pronoun is essential for intransitive use.

Es un error común olvidar el pronombre 'se' al decir que algo se deteriora.

Confusion with 'Detener'
Because they start similarly, some learners confuse 'deteriorar' (to worsen) with 'detener' (to stop). They are opposites in some contexts!

Another mistake is using deteriorar for sudden, binary changes. If a lightbulb burns out, it hasn't 'deteriorated' in common parlance; it has 'fundido' or 'dejado de funcionar'. Deteriorar implies a spectrum of quality. Use it when there is still something left of the object, just in a worse state. Similarly, avoid using it for people's moods in a temporary sense. If someone is sad for an hour, their mood hasn't deteriorated; but if their mental health is declining over months, then 'deteriorar' is appropriate. Context and duration are everything with this verb.

No uses deteriorar para cosas que se rompen de repente, como un cristal.

Over-formality
Using 'deteriorar' when you just mean 'romper' (to break) in a casual setting can sound stiff. 'Rompí mi teléfono' is better than 'Deterioré mi teléfono'.

Si el daño es total e instantáneo, es mejor usar 'destruir' en lugar de deteriorar.

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the difference between 'dañar' and 'deteriorar'. While they are synonyms, 'dañar' is often more direct and can be intentional ('Él dañó el coche'), whereas 'deteriorar' often implies an unintentional or natural process of decay ('El tiempo deterioró el coche'). Using 'deteriorar' for a deliberate act of vandalism might sound slightly odd unless you are describing the long-term effect of that vandalism on the building's structure. Stick to 'deteriorar' for wear and tear, and 'dañar' for specific incidents of harm.

La diferencia entre dañar y deteriorar es sutil pero importante para el matiz.

Recuerda: la salud se deteriora, no simplemente 'deteriora'.

In Spanish, there are many ways to say something is getting worse, and choosing the right one depends on the context and the level of formality you want to achieve. While deteriorar is excellent for formal and technical contexts, you might find other verbs more appropriate for daily conversation or specific types of damage. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more natural and precise in your Spanish speaking and writing.

Deteriorar vs. Estropear
Estropear is the most common informal alternative. It means 'to spoil' or 'to mess up'. While 'deteriorar' sounds like a slow process, 'estropear' can be fast. 'Se estropeó la televisión' (The TV broke down).
Deteriorar vs. Echar a perder
Echar a perder is the go-to phrase for food or plans. 'La lluvia echó a perder el picnic' (The rain spoiled the picnic). You wouldn't usually use 'deteriorar' for a picnic.

A diferencia de deteriorar, 'estropear' se usa más para averías mecánicas.

Deteriorar vs. Desgastar
Desgastar specifically means 'to wear out' through use or friction. 'Las suelas de los zapatos se desgastan' (Shoe soles wear out). 'Deteriorar' is broader; 'desgastar' is a specific type of deterioration.

Another interesting comparison is with Degradar. While similar, 'degradar' often has a chemical or biological connotation (biodegradable) or a social one (to degrade someone's dignity). 'Deteriorar' is more about the physical or functional state. If a building is 'deteriorado', it needs repairs; if a material is 'degradado', its chemical structure has changed. In professional writing, choosing between these two can show a high level of language mastery. For example, 'La calidad del agua se ha deteriorado' (The water quality has worsened) vs 'El plástico se está degradando' (The plastic is degrading).

Podemos decir que el tiempo deteriora los muros, pero el uso los desgasta.

Decaer
This means 'to decay' or 'to decline'. It's often used for empires, enthusiasm, or strength. 'Su entusiasmo decayó' (His enthusiasm waned).

Cuando una relación se deteriora, a menudo el amor empieza a decaer.

Finally, consider Arruinar. This is a very strong word, meaning 'to ruin' or 'to destroy'. If you 'deterioras' a painting, it might still be salvageable. If you 'arruinas' it, it's finished. By having this range of words—from 'estropear' (casual) to 'deteriorar' (formal/gradual) to 'arruinar' (extreme)—you can accurately describe the severity of any negative change. This linguistic precision is what separates intermediate learners from advanced speakers who can navigate the complexities of Spanish with confidence and clarity.

Es mejor notar cuando algo se empieza a deteriorar antes de que se arruine.

El uso de sinónimos como 'empeorar' ayuda a no repetir deteriorar demasiado.

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Examples by Level

1

El sol puede deteriorar mi libro favorito.

The sun can deteriorate my favorite book.

Simple present tense using 'puede' + infinitive.

2

La lluvia deteriora la pintura de la casa.

The rain deteriorates the paint on the house.

Third person singular present tense.

3

No quiero deteriorar mis juguetes nuevos.

I don't want to damage my new toys.

Infinitive after 'querer'.

4

El agua deteriora el papel muy rápido.

Water deteriorates paper very quickly.

Subject-Verb-Object structure.

5

Esta mesa está un poco deteriorada.

This table is a bit deteriorated.

Adjectival use of the past participle.

6

El calor deteriora la comida.

The heat deteriorates the food.

General truth in present tense.

7

Cuidado, no deterioren el jardín.

Be careful, don't damage the garden.

Negative imperative (subjunctive).

8

Mi ropa se deteriora si no la lavo bien.

My clothes get ruined if I don't wash them well.

Reflexive use 'se deteriora'.

1

El edificio se deterioró porque nadie lo cuidaba.

The building deteriorated because no one took care of it.

Preterite tense, reflexive.

2

La salud de mi abuelo se deterioró este invierno.

My grandfather's health deteriorated this winter.

Reflexive preterite used for health.

3

Si dejas la bicicleta afuera, se va a deteriorar.

If you leave the bike outside, it's going to deteriorate.

Future with 'ir a' + infinitive.

4

La humedad deterioró las paredes del sótano.

The humidity deteriorated the basement walls.

Transitive preterite.

5

No uses ese producto, puede deteriorar el cuero.

Don't use that product; it can damage the leather.

Modal verb 'puede' + infinitive.

6

Nuestra amistad se deterioró después de la pelea.

Our friendship deteriorated after the fight.

Metaphorical use for relationships.

7

La calidad del aire se deteriora en las ciudades grandes.

Air quality deteriorates in big cities.

Present tense reflexive for general trends.

8

Las fotos antiguas se deterioran con la luz.

Old photos deteriorate with light.

Plural subject with reflexive verb.

1

Espero que la situación no se deteriore más.

I hope the situation doesn't deteriorate further.

Present subjunctive after 'esperar que'.

2

El clima extremo ha deteriorado las carreteras de la región.

Extreme weather has deteriorated the roads in the region.

Present perfect tense.

3

Si no hay inversión, el servicio se deteriorará pronto.

If there is no investment, the service will deteriorate soon.

Future tense in a conditional sentence.

4

La falta de comunicación deterioró seriamente su matrimonio.

The lack of communication seriously deteriorated their marriage.

Transitive preterite with an adverb.

5

Muchos monumentos se están deteriorando por la contaminación.

Many monuments are deteriorating due to pollution.

Present progressive reflexive.

6

El uso constante de la máquina acabó por deteriorar el motor.

Constant use of the machine ended up deteriorating the motor.

Verbal periphrasis 'acabar por' + infinitive.

7

Es normal que el calzado se deteriore con el uso diario.

It's normal for footwear to deteriorate with daily use.

Subjunctive after 'es normal que'.

8

La imagen del político se deterioró tras el escándalo.

The politician's image deteriorated after the scandal.

Reflexive preterite for abstract concepts.

1

El informe destaca cómo se ha deteriorado el poder adquisitivo.

The report highlights how purchasing power has deteriorated.

Indirect question structure with present perfect.

2

La estructura del puente está tan deteriorada que es peligrosa.

The bridge's structure is so deteriorated that it's dangerous.

Result clause with 'tan... que'.

3

El estrés prolongado puede deteriorar el sistema inmunológico.

Prolonged stress can deteriorate the immune system.

Scientific/Biological context.

4

Dudo que la relación se deteriore si ambos ponen de su parte.

I doubt the relationship will deteriorate if both do their part.

Subjunctive after 'dudar que'.

5

Las duras condiciones laborales deterioraron su estado de ánimo.

The harsh working conditions deteriorated his mood.

Transitive use with abstract subject.

6

El paso de los años no ha logrado deteriorar su gran talento.

The passing of the years has not managed to deteriorate her great talent.

Negative perfect tense with 'lograr'.

7

Se teme que la paz se deteriore si continúan las provocaciones.

It is feared that peace will deteriorate if provocations continue.

Impersonal 'se' with subjunctive.

8

La calidad de los materiales deterioró el resultado final de la obra.

The quality of the materials deteriorated the final result of the work.

Causal relationship in preterite.

1

La cohesión social se deteriora ante la falta de oportunidades.

Social cohesion deteriorates in the face of lack of opportunities.

Sociological context, present reflexive.

2

El ambiente político se ha deteriorado hasta niveles alarmantes.

The political environment has deteriorated to alarming levels.

Present perfect with degree modifier.

3

Es imperativo evitar que el patrimonio se deteriore irreversiblemente.

It is imperative to prevent the heritage from deteriorating irreversibly.

Subjunctive after impersonal 'es imperativo'.

4

Su capacidad cognitiva se deterioró ostensiblemente tras el accidente.

His cognitive ability deteriorated noticeably after the accident.

Medical context with formal adverb.

5

La inflación galopante deteriora los ahorros de toda una vida.

Galloping inflation deteriorates the savings of a lifetime.

Economic metaphor.

6

El discurso público se ha deteriorado por el uso de noticias falsas.

Public discourse has deteriorated due to the use of fake news.

Passive-reflexive structure.

7

No permitas que el rencor deteriore tu paz interior.

Do not allow resentment to deteriorate your inner peace.

Negative imperative + subjunctive.

8

La biodiversidad se deteriora a un ritmo sin precedentes.

Biodiversity is deteriorating at an unprecedented rate.

Environmental science context.

1

El paso del tiempo acabó por deteriorar incluso los mármoles más finos.

The passage of time eventually deteriorated even the finest marbles.

Literary/Historical context.

2

La falta de ética deteriora los cimientos de cualquier democracia.

The lack of ethics deteriorates the foundations of any democracy.

Philosophical metaphor.

3

Se observa un deterioro progresivo en las relaciones transatlánticas.

A progressive deterioration is observed in transatlantic relations.

Noun form 'deterioro' in formal observation.

4

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