At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'détérioration' yourself very often, but you might see it on signs or simple news headlines. It's a big word, but you can understand it by looking at the English word 'deterioration'. They look almost the same! In French, it means something is becoming 'not good'. For example, if a toy is old and breaks a little bit every day, that is 'détérioration'. Just remember it is a 'la' word (feminine). You can think of it as a fancy way to say 'ça devient mauvais' (it's becoming bad). At this stage, focus on recognizing the word when you read it. If you see 'détérioration de la météo', it means the weather is getting bad (rainy or cold). It's a good word to know for reading simple notices in a park or a museum. You don't have to worry about the grammar too much yet, just know that it's a noun that describes things getting worse. If you want to use it, you can say 'La détérioration est triste' (The deterioration is sad). It's a useful word to start building your formal vocabulary.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'détérioration' to describe physical objects. You might use it when talking about your house, your car, or your health in a simple way. You should know that it is a feminine noun: 'la détérioration'. You can pair it with simple adjectives like 'rapide' (fast) or 'lente' (slow). For example, 'La détérioration de ma voiture est un problème' (The deterioration of my car is a problem). You might also hear it when people talk about the weather or the environment in basic conversations. It's important to differentiate it from 'cassé' (broken). 'Cassé' is finished, but 'détérioration' is a process that is happening now. If your shoes are getting old and have holes, you are seeing a 'détérioration'. You can use the structure 'Il y a une détérioration de...' followed by a noun. This will make your French sound more advanced and precise than just saying 'C'est mauvais'. Try to use it when you are explaining why you need to repair something or why you are worried about a situation.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'détérioration' in more abstract contexts. This is the level where you discuss social issues, the environment, and professional situations. You should be comfortable using it to describe 'la détérioration des relations' (the worsening of relations) or 'la détérioration du climat social'. You should also be aware of the verb form 'détériorer'. For example, you can say 'Le manque d'argent a détérioré la situation' (The lack of money worsened the situation). You should start using more specific adjectives like 'progressive', 'inquiétante' (worrying), or 'visible'. At B1, you are moving beyond just physical objects and using the word to analyze situations. You might use it in a letter of complaint or a short essay about the environment. Remember the preposition 'de' that usually follows it: 'la détérioration de la qualité de vie'. This level is about precision, so using 'détérioration' instead of 'changement négatif' shows a better command of French vocabulary. You should also be able to understand it in news broadcasts and newspaper articles.
At the B2 level, you should use 'détérioration' with nuance and in complex sentence structures. You should be able to discuss the causes and consequences of deterioration. For instance, you might talk about 'la détérioration des termes de l'échange' in an economics context or 'la détérioration cognitive' in a medical or psychological discussion. You should also understand the difference between 'détérioration' and its synonyms like 'dégradation' or 'altération'. At this level, you can use the word in formal debates to argue a point. For example: 'La détérioration constante des services publics témoigne d'un manque d'investissement.' You should be able to use it as a subject, an object, or within prepositional phrases. You are also expected to recognize the word in literature and high-level journalism. Your spelling must be perfect, including the accents: 'détérioration'. You can also use it in the context of 'vandalism' or 'property damage' when discussing legal or social issues. At B2, 'détérioration' is a tool for precise, academic, and professional communication.
At the C1 level, 'détérioration' is a word you use with stylistic flair. You understand its connotations and can use it to create a specific tone in your writing or speaking. You might use it to describe the 'détérioration du tissu social' (the fraying of the social fabric) or the 'détérioration de l'image de marque' (the damage to a brand's image). You are comfortable using it in technical fields such as law, medicine, or engineering. You also understand the legal implications of 'détérioration de biens publics'. At this level, you can compare and contrast 'détérioration' with more obscure synonyms like 'délitement' or 'déliquescence' to express very specific types of decay. You should be able to handle complex grammatical constructions, such as 'La détérioration, bien que lente, n'en est pas moins inéluctable' (The deterioration, though slow, is nonetheless inevitable). You can use it in long-form essays, professional reports, and academic presentations. Your understanding of the word is deep enough to catch metaphors and subtle irony involving the concept of decay.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'détérioration' and all its related forms. You can use it in philosophical discussions about entropy and the nature of time, or in highly specialized professional contexts. You are aware of its etymological roots and how that influences its modern usage. You can use the word to describe the most subtle changes in quality, perhaps in the context of art restoration or high-level political analysis. You might use it in a sentence like 'L'ontologie de la détérioration' to discuss the philosophy of decay. You can switch between 'détérioration', 'dégradation', 'altération', and 'viciation' with perfect precision, knowing exactly which one fits the register and the specific technical meaning required. You are also able to use the word in creative writing to evoke a specific atmosphere of ruin or decline. At C2, 'détérioration' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a concept you can manipulate to express complex ideas with elegance and absolute clarity. You can also identify and correct the most subtle misuses of the word by others.

détérioration 30秒了解

  • Détérioration is a feminine noun meaning the process of becoming worse in quality or condition over a period of time.
  • It is used for physical objects (decay), health (worsening symptoms), and abstract situations (declining social or economic conditions).
  • Commonly paired with adjectives like 'rapide', 'progressive', or 'inquiétante' to describe the speed or nature of the decline.
  • A formal and precise term, often found in news, medical reports, legal documents, and technical assessments of buildings or art.
The French noun détérioration is a sophisticated and essential term used to describe the process through which something becomes progressively worse in quality, condition, or value. Unlike a sudden break or a categorical failure, a détérioration implies a temporal element—a gradual decline that happens over hours, days, or even centuries. In the French mindset, this word is applied across a vast spectrum of domains, from the physical weathering of a historic monument like the Eiffel Tower to the abstract decline of a diplomatic relationship between two nations. Understanding this word requires recognizing its weight; it is more formal than 'dégradation' in certain contexts, though they are often used interchangeably. When you use détérioration, you are pointing to a loss of integrity. It is the language of architects assessing a crumbling wall, doctors monitoring a patient's worsening symptoms, and economists analyzing the falling purchasing power of a currency.
Physical State
The most common usage involves the physical world. If a house is left abandoned, the roof will leak, the wood will rot, and the paint will peel. This entire process of decay is labeled as 'la détérioration du bâtiment'. It suggests a lack of maintenance or the inevitable toll of the elements.

Les experts ont constaté une détérioration rapide des fondations du château à cause de l'humidité constante du sol.

Medical and Health Context
In a clinical setting, doctors use this term to describe a patient's declining health. If someone with a respiratory illness starts to breathe with more difficulty, the medical report will mention a 'détérioration de l'état respiratoire'. It is a precise term that signals the need for intervention.

La détérioration de sa vue l'a obligé à porter des lunettes beaucoup plus fortes qu'auparavant.

Social and Abstract Decline
Beyond the tangible, the word describes the worsening of situations. You might hear about the 'détérioration du climat social' during a period of strikes or civil unrest in France. It implies that the mood, the cooperation, or the peace within a group is breaking down. Similarly, a 'détérioration des relations diplomatiques' indicates that two countries are moving toward conflict.

Nous observons une détérioration des conditions de travail dans ce secteur depuis la fusion des deux entreprises.

La détérioration de la couche d'ozone reste une préoccupation majeure pour les scientifiques du monde entier.

Sans entretien régulier, la détérioration des routes de campagne devient un danger pour les automobilistes.

In summary, use 'détérioration' whenever you want to emphasize the negative evolution of a state or quality. It is a word of observation and often a word of warning. Whether you are discussing the climate, a machine, or a human body, it conveys a sense of losing what was once good or functional.
Using détérioration correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its grammatical function as a noun and its typical companions—adjectives and prepositions. Because it describes a process, it is frequently followed by the preposition 'de' (or its contracted forms 'du', 'de la', 'des') to specify what is getting worse. For example, 'la détérioration de la situation' or 'la détérioration du climat'. It is rarely used in the plural unless you are referring to multiple distinct processes of decay.
The Verb Connection
The noun is derived from the verb 'détériorer'. While the noun describes the state or the process, the verb describes the action. You might say 'Le temps a détérioré la façade' (The weather deteriorated the facade), which leads to 'La détérioration de la façade par le temps' (The deterioration of the facade by the weather). Knowing both allows you to flip your sentence structure for variety.

Il est impératif d'arrêter la détérioration de ces manuscrits anciens en contrôlant l'humidité de la bibliothèque.

Common Adjectives
To add nuance, French speakers often pair 'détérioration' with descriptive adjectives. 'Rapide' (fast), 'progressive' (gradual), 'inquiétante' (worrying), 'irréversible' (irreversible), or 'marquée' (marked/notable) are common choices. These adjectives must always be in the feminine form to match the noun. For instance, 'une détérioration inquiétante' is a standard phrase in medical or political reports.

La détérioration progressive de l'environnement est un sujet central des débats politiques actuels.

Syntactic Patterns
You will often see the structure: [Subject] + [Verb of change/observation] + une détérioration + de + [Noun]. For example: 'Le pays subit une détérioration de son économie' (The country is undergoing a deterioration of its economy). Another common pattern is using it as the subject: 'La détérioration de la situation exige une action immédiate'.

Malgré tous nos efforts, la détérioration de la qualité de l'air continue de progresser dans les grandes villes.

Toute détérioration volontaire du matériel de l'école sera sanctionnée par la direction.

L'enquête a révélé que la détérioration des preuves a été causée par une mauvaise manipulation au laboratoire.

When writing, remember that 'détérioration' is a heavy word. It carries a certain gravity. If you are talking about a small scratch on a phone, it might be too dramatic; but if the phone's battery life is steadily decreasing and the screen is fading, 'détérioration' is perfectly appropriate.
You will encounter détérioration in several key areas of French life, primarily those that involve formal reporting or technical analysis. If you listen to the French news on 'France Inter' or read 'Le Monde', you will hear it frequently in segments regarding the environment, the economy, and international relations. It is a favorite word of journalists because it sounds objective and serious. In the context of climate change, reporters often speak of 'la détérioration de la biodiversité' or 'la détérioration des écosystèmes marins'. These are high-stakes topics where the precise nature of the word—indicating a downward trend—is vital for conveying the urgency of the situation. Another major area is the medical field. If you are ever in a French-speaking hospital or watching a French medical drama like 'Hippocrate', you will hear doctors discussing the 'détérioration de l'état du patient'. It is the standard way to describe a patient who is 'crashing' or simply getting worse over time. It is also very common in the legal and insurance sectors. When you rent an apartment in France, the 'état des lieux' (inventory/condition report) is a crucial document. If you return the apartment with damage, the landlord will point out the 'détérioration des lieux'. In this context, it isn't just a process but an observable result of damage. Insurance companies will use the term to describe 'détérioration par suite de sinistre' (deterioration following an accident or disaster). In a more everyday setting, you might hear it in school or public transport. Announcements about 'la détérioration du service' due to technical problems or strikes are common in the RATP (Paris transport) or SNCF (French railways). Even in social circles, if someone is talking about a friendship that has gone sour, they might say, 'J'ai remarqué une détérioration de notre relation depuis quelques mois'. While it is formal, it is not so stiff that it cannot be used in a serious personal conversation. Finally, in the world of heritage and art, curators at the Louvre or the Musée d'Orsay are constantly fighting against the 'détérioration des œuvres'. They discuss how light, humidity, and touch lead to the slow 'détérioration' of pigments and materials. This word is the enemy of the conservator. So, whether you are listening to a political debate, reading a medical chart, or walking through a museum, 'détérioration' is a word that signals something of value is being lost to time or circumstance.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with détérioration is gender confusion. Because many nouns ending in '-tion' in French are feminine, learners sometimes forget that this rule is consistent. You must always say 'la détérioration' and never 'le détérioration'. This affects everything else in the sentence, especially adjectives. A common error is saying 'une détérioration rapide' (correct) versus 'un détérioration rapide' (incorrect). Another mistake is confusing 'détérioration' with 'dommage' or 'dégât'. While they are related, 'détérioration' usually implies a process or a state resulting from a process, whereas 'dommage' or 'dégât' often refers to a single, specific event of damage (like a broken window). You wouldn't usually say 'la détérioration d'une vitre' if you just threw a rock through it; you would say 'le bris d'une vitre' or 'les dégâts'. However, if the window frame is rotting over ten years, that is 'détérioration'. Another pitfall is the spelling. English speakers often want to add an extra 'e' or 'i' where it doesn't belong, or forget the accent on the first 'é'. In French, the spelling is 'd-é-t-é-r-i-o-r-a-t-i-o-n'. Note the two acute accents (accents aigus) at the beginning. Omitting these accents is a spelling error that can affect your grade in a formal exam like the DELF or DALF. Furthermore, some learners use 'détérioration' when they mean 'aggravation'. While similar, 'aggravation' is specifically used for things that were already bad and are getting even worse (like a crisis or a disease), whereas 'détérioration' can describe something good becoming bad (like a beautiful painting decaying). Lastly, avoid using 'détérioration' for people in a moral sense unless you are being very poetic or clinical. If someone's character is becoming worse, French speakers might prefer 'déchéance' or simply 'changement de comportement'. Using 'détérioration' for a person's personality can sound like you are describing them as an object or a biological specimen. By keeping these nuances in mind—gender agreement, the 'process vs. event' distinction, correct accentuation, and the 'détérioration vs. aggravation' choice—you will use the word with the precision of a native speaker.
To truly master 'détérioration', it is helpful to look at its synonyms and see how they differ in flavor and usage. The most common synonym is dégradation. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but 'dégradation' is often used for environmental issues (dégradation de l'environnement) or human-caused damage (dégradation de matériel public). Another close relative is déclin. However, 'déclin' is usually reserved for larger, more abstract concepts like 'le déclin d'un empire' (the decline of an empire) or 'le déclin de la civilisation'. You wouldn't say the 'déclin' of a piece of fruit; you would say its 'détérioration' or 'pourriture' (rotting).
Détérioration vs. Dégradation
While 'détérioration' focuses on the loss of quality or function, 'dégradation' can sometimes imply a loss of status or rank. For example, in the military, 'dégradation' is a specific punishment where a soldier is stripped of their rank. In a physical sense, 'détérioration' is often the result of natural wear and tear, while 'dégradation' might imply active vandalism.
Détérioration vs. Aggravation
'Aggravation' is specifically for making a bad situation worse. If you have a cold and it becomes pneumonia, that is an 'aggravation de votre état'. 'Détérioration' is broader; it describes the transition from good to bad or bad to worse.
Détérioration vs. Érosion
'Érosion' is a specific type of deterioration caused by physical wearing away, usually by water or wind. It is also used metaphorically for the 'érosion du pouvoir' (erosion of power). Use 'érosion' when the cause is a constant, grinding force, and 'détérioration' for general decay.
Other alternatives include altération, which is often used in chemistry or art to describe a change in substance or color (altération des couleurs), and dépérissement, which is used specifically for living things, like a plant or a person wasting away (le dépérissement d'une fleur). By choosing the right word, you show that you understand not just the 'what' but the 'how' and 'why' of the worsening situation.

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

The root 'deter' is related to 'down', implying that deterioration is literally a 'downward' movement in quality.

发音指南

UK /de.te.ʁjɔ.ʁa.sjɔ̃/
US /de.te.ʁjɔ.ʁa.sjɔ̃/
In French, the stress is always on the final syllable: de-te-rio-ra-TION.
押韵词
nation station situation création population formation éducation libération
常见错误
  • Pronouncing the final 'n' like in the English word 'on'. It must be nasal.
  • Missing the first two 'é' accents, pronouncing them like 'e' in 'pet'.
  • Adding an extra 'i' before the 'o', making it sound like 'deterioriation' in English.
  • Stress on the first syllable.
  • Failing to pronounce the French 'r' correctly.

难度评级

阅读 2/5

Easy to recognize because it is very similar to the English word.

写作 4/5

Difficult to spell correctly with the accents and gender agreement.

口语 4/5

The nasal ending and the guttural 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

听力 3/5

Clear syllables make it relatively easy to hear in a sentence.

接下来学什么

前置知识

mauvais changer santé maison temps

接下来学习

dégradation aggravation amélioration restauration entretien

高级

viciation péricliter délitement entropie obsolescence

需要掌握的语法

Feminine nouns ending in -tion

La détérioration, la nation, la station.

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns

Une détérioration rapide (not rapide*e* because rapide is already neutral, but 'marquée' needs the extra 'e').

Using 'de' to show possession or relationship

La détérioration *de* la maison.

The verb 'se détériorer'

La situation *se détériore*.

Past participle as adjective

Un bâtiment *détérioré*.

按水平分级的例句

1

La détérioration du jouet est triste.

The deterioration of the toy is sad.

Simple noun-subject usage.

2

Il y a une détérioration de la météo.

There is a deterioration of the weather.

Using 'il y a' with the noun.

3

Regarde la détérioration de ce vieux livre.

Look at the deterioration of this old book.

Imperative form 'Regarde'.

4

La détérioration est rapide ici.

The deterioration is fast here.

Using an adjective with the noun.

5

C'est une petite détérioration.

It is a small deterioration.

Using an indefinite article 'une'.

6

La détérioration fait peur.

The deterioration is scary.

Noun as a subject for a simple verb.

7

Je vois la détérioration du mur.

I see the deterioration of the wall.

Direct object usage.

8

Pas de détérioration, s'il vous plaît !

No deterioration, please!

Negation 'Pas de'.

1

La détérioration de ma maison m'inquiète.

The deterioration of my house worries me.

Reflexive verb 'm'inquiète' with noun subject.

2

Il faut éviter la détérioration des fruits.

We must avoid the deterioration of the fruits.

Using 'Il faut' + infinitive.

3

La détérioration de la route est dangereuse.

The deterioration of the road is dangerous.

Adjective 'dangereuse' agrees with 'détérioration'.

4

J'ai remarqué une détérioration de mon vélo.

I noticed a deterioration of my bike.

Passé composé 'J'ai remarqué'.

5

La détérioration commence avec la pluie.

The deterioration starts with the rain.

Present tense 'commence'.

6

Pourquoi cette détérioration si soudaine ?

Why this so sudden deterioration?

Interrogative 'Pourquoi'.

7

La détérioration des dents est évitable.

The deterioration of teeth is avoidable.

Plural noun 'des dents' after 'de'.

8

Elle a peur de la détérioration de sa santé.

She is afraid of the deterioration of her health.

Expression 'avoir peur de'.

1

La détérioration du climat social est visible dans les rues.

The deterioration of the social climate is visible in the streets.

Abstract usage of the noun.

2

Les experts constatent une détérioration de la biodiversité.

Experts are noting a deterioration of biodiversity.

Formal verb 'constater'.

3

La détérioration de la situation économique touche tout le monde.

The deterioration of the economic situation affects everyone.

Subject-verb agreement with 'touche'.

4

Il y a une détérioration progressive des relations entre voisins.

There is a progressive deterioration of relations between neighbors.

Adjective 'progressive' placement.

5

La détérioration de la couche d'ozone est un problème mondial.

The deterioration of the ozone layer is a global problem.

Compound noun 'couche d'ozone'.

6

Nous devons agir contre la détérioration de notre environnement.

We must act against the deterioration of our environment.

Preposition 'contre'.

7

La détérioration de son état de santé a été très rapide.

The deterioration of his health state was very rapid.

Passé composé with 'être'.

8

L'humidité cause la détérioration des peintures anciennes.

Humidity causes the deterioration of ancient paintings.

Causal verb 'cause'.

1

La détérioration des rapports diplomatiques pourrait mener à un conflit.

The deterioration of diplomatic relations could lead to a conflict.

Conditional mood 'pourrait'.

2

On observe une détérioration marquée de la qualité de l'air urbain.

A marked deterioration in urban air quality is observed.

Passive-style 'On observe'.

3

La détérioration volontaire de biens publics est un délit grave.

Willful deterioration of public property is a serious offense.

Legal terminology 'délit grave'.

4

L'absence d'entretien a entraîné la détérioration du pont.

The lack of maintenance led to the deterioration of the bridge.

Verb 'entraîner' (to lead to).

5

La détérioration cognitive est un défi majeur pour le vieillissement.

Cognitive deterioration is a major challenge for aging.

Scientific adjective 'cognitive'.

6

Cette mesure vise à freiner la détérioration du pouvoir d'achat.

This measure aims to slow down the deterioration of purchasing power.

Verb 'freiner' (to brake/slow down).

7

La détérioration de l'image de l'entreprise est irréversible.

The deterioration of the company's image is irreversible.

Adjective 'irréversible'.

8

L'enquête souligne la détérioration des conditions de travail.

The investigation highlights the deterioration of working conditions.

Verb 'souligne' (highlights).

1

La détérioration inéluctable du bâti historique exige des fonds d'urgence.

The inevitable deterioration of historic buildings requires emergency funds.

Advanced adjective 'inéluctable'.

2

On assiste à une détérioration du débat public vers l'invective.

We are witnessing a deterioration of public debate into name-calling.

Expression 'assister à' (to witness).

3

La détérioration des écosystèmes fragiles menace la survie de certaines espèces.

The deterioration of fragile ecosystems threatens the survival of certain species.

Complex subject-verb-object structure.

4

La détérioration de la confiance envers les institutions est préoccupante.

The deterioration of trust in institutions is worrying.

Prepositional phrase 'envers les institutions'.

5

La détérioration des preuves a empêché la tenue d'un procès équitable.

The deterioration of evidence prevented a fair trial from being held.

Verb 'empêcher' with 'de'.

6

L'inflation galopante accentue la détérioration du climat social.

Galloping inflation accentuates the deterioration of the social climate.

Verb 'accentuer' (to heighten).

7

La détérioration de la santé mentale au travail est un sujet tabou.

The deterioration of mental health at work is a taboo subject.

Compound noun phrase.

8

L'humidité est le facteur principal de la détérioration des pigments.

Humidity is the main factor in the deterioration of pigments.

Noun as complement of 'facteur'.

1

La détérioration ontologique de l'objet d'art pose la question de sa restauration.

The ontological deterioration of the art object raises the question of its restoration.

Philosophical register.

2

Le rapport analyse la détérioration structurelle de l'économie de marché.

The report analyzes the structural deterioration of the market economy.

Academic register.

3

La détérioration des mœurs est un thème récurrent de la littérature satirique.

The deterioration of morals is a recurring theme in satirical literature.

Literary usage 'mœurs'.

4

L'entropie mène inévitablement à la détérioration de tout système fermé.

Entropy inevitably leads to the deterioration of any closed system.

Scientific/Philosophical context.

5

On craint une détérioration irrémédiable du patrimoine génétique de la population.

There is a fear of an irremediable deterioration of the population's gene pool.

Advanced adjective 'irrémédiable'.

6

La détérioration de la syntaxe dans les échanges numériques est souvent décriée.

The deterioration of syntax in digital exchanges is often decried.

Linguistic register.

7

La détérioration des relations bilatérales a atteint un point de non-retour.

The deterioration of bilateral relations has reached a point of no return.

Idiomatic 'point de non-retour'.

8

L'œuvre explore la détérioration de la mémoire face au temps qui passe.

The work explores the deterioration of memory in the face of passing time.

Artistic/Abstract context.

常见搭配

constater une détérioration
détérioration progressive
détérioration rapide
détérioration de la situation
détérioration des conditions
détérioration physique
détérioration mentale
détérioration de l'environnement
détérioration du matériel
détérioration irréversible

常用短语

en cas de détérioration

— Used in manuals or contracts to specify what to do if things get worse.

En cas de détérioration, contactez le service après-vente.

subir une détérioration

— To undergo or suffer a worsening of state.

Le monument a subi une détérioration importante.

freiner la détérioration

— To slow down the process of getting worse.

Il faut freiner la détérioration de la biodiversité.

signes de détérioration

— Visible indicators that something is failing.

Le moteur montre des signes de détérioration.

empêcher la détérioration

— To prevent things from getting worse.

Cette vernis aide à empêcher la détérioration du bois.

détérioration de l'état général

— Standard medical phrase for a patient's overall health declining.

On note une détérioration de l'état général du patient.

détérioration des rapports

— The worsening of personal or professional relations.

La détérioration des rapports entre collègues est regrettable.

détérioration due à l'usure

— Worsening caused by normal use over time.

C'est une détérioration due à l'usure normale.

détérioration volontaire

— Intentional damage or vandalism.

La détérioration volontaire est punie par la loi.

entraîner une détérioration

— To cause a worsening state as a consequence.

Le froid peut entraîner une détérioration des tuyaux.

容易混淆的词

détérioration vs dégradation

Very similar, but 'dégradation' is more common for vandalism or environmental damage.

détérioration vs aggravation

Used when a bad thing gets worse; 'détérioration' can be from good to bad.

détérioration vs dommage

A 'dommage' is usually a specific instance of damage, while 'détérioration' is a process.

习语与表达

"aller de mal en pis"

— To go from bad to worse; a more idiomatic way to describe a continuous deterioration.

La situation va de mal en pis.

informal/neutral
"prendre un coup de vieux"

— To suddenly look or feel much older; a colloquial way to describe physical deterioration.

Cette maison a pris un coup de vieux.

informal
"tomber en ruine"

— To fall into ruin; specifically for buildings deteriorating.

Le vieux moulin tombe en ruine.

neutral
"battre de l'aile"

— To be in a failing or deteriorating state (literally 'to flap a wing').

Leur mariage bat de l'aile.

informal
"être sur la pente descendante"

— To be on the downward slope; describing a decline or deterioration.

Sa carrière est sur la pente descendante.

neutral
"péricliter"

— To decline or decay steadily (often for a business or health).

L'entreprise commence à péricliter.

formal
"se dégrader à vue d'œil"

— To deteriorate visibly and quickly.

Le temps se dégrade à vue d'œil.

neutral
"être en lambeaux"

— To be in tatters; describing extreme physical deterioration of clothes or abstract things like reputation.

Sa réputation est en lambeaux.

neutral
"partir en lambeaux"

— To fall apart or deteriorate completely.

Le projet part en lambeaux.

neutral
"laisser à l'abandon"

— To leave to neglect, which causes deterioration.

Ils ont laissé le jardin à l'abandon.

neutral

容易混淆

détérioration vs Dégradation

They are synonyms.

Dégradation often implies a more violent or human-caused change, while détérioration is often natural or time-based.

La dégradation de la statue par les vandales vs La détérioration de la statue par le temps.

détérioration vs Aggravation

Both mean 'getting worse'.

Aggravation is for situations or illnesses that were already negative.

Une aggravation de la crise.

détérioration vs Altération

Both mean 'change'.

Altération is more about a change in nature or quality, often chemical or artistic.

L'altération du goût du vin.

détérioration vs Délitement

Both mean 'falling apart'.

Délitement is more about the loss of cohesion in a group or structure.

Le délitement du lien social.

détérioration vs Dépérissement

Both mean 'decay'.

Dépérissement is specifically for living organisms or plants.

Le dépérissement des pins.

句型

A2

La détérioration de [objet] est [adjectif].

La détérioration de ma chaussure est visible.

B1

On constate une détérioration de [concept].

On constate une détérioration du climat.

B1

Il faut arrêter la détérioration de [chose].

Il faut arrêter la détérioration de la forêt.

B2

[Sujet] a entraîné une détérioration de [objet].

La pluie a entraîné une détérioration du mur.

B2

La détérioration de [chose] s'accélère.

La détérioration de sa santé s'accélère.

C1

Face à la détérioration de [chose], il faut agir.

Face à la détérioration de la confiance, il faut agir.

C1

La détérioration est due à [cause].

La détérioration est due à un manque d'entretien.

C2

La détérioration inéluctable de [concept] est un thème central.

La détérioration inéluctable du temps est un thème central.

词族

名词

détérioration
détériorateur (rarely used, one who deteriorates)

动词

détériorer (to deteriorate/damage)
se détériorer (to deteriorate/get worse)

形容词

détérioré (deteriorated/damaged)

相关

dégradation
dégât
dommage
altération
usure

如何使用

frequency

Common in media, technical reports, and formal writing.

常见错误
  • Le détérioration La détérioration

    The word is feminine. Using the masculine article is a common error.

  • Deterioration (no accents) Détérioration

    French requires the acute accents on the first two 'e's.

  • Une détérioration rapide (masculine adjective) Une détérioration rapide

    Wait, 'rapide' is the same for both. Let's use 'marqué': 'Une détérioration marqué' is wrong, it must be 'marquée'.

  • Using 'détérioration' for a broken window. Bris de glace / Dégâts

    Détérioration implies a process or state of decay, not usually a single act of breaking.

  • Détérioriation (extra 'i') Détérioration

    Don't add an extra 'i' before the 'o' just because the English word has many 'i's.

小贴士

Gender Check

Always remember that nouns ending in '-tion' are almost always feminine. 'La détérioration' is no exception. This will help you with adjective agreement.

Synonym Choice

Use 'détérioration' for slow, natural processes and 'dégradation' for faster or human-caused damage to sound more native.

Nasal Ending

The final '-on' is a nasal vowel. Do not let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth for the 'n'. Practice by saying 'oh' through your nose.

Accent Markings

The accents are crucial. 'Détérioration' has two 'é's. Missing them is a common spelling mistake for English speakers.

Professional Tone

In a professional email, use 'détérioration' instead of 'ça va mal' to sound more serious and objective.

Context Clues

When you see 'détérioration', look for the word 'de' right after it to find out exactly what is getting worse.

Flow

Because it's a long word, practice saying it slowly syllable by syllable: dé-té-rio-ra-tion, then speed up.

Heritage Focus

In France, this word is very often linked to 'le patrimoine' (heritage). Mentioning 'la détérioration du patrimoine' is a very French topic of conversation.

News Keyword

This is a 'keyword' in French news. If you hear it, you know the report is about something declining or a problem arising.

Cognate Power

Since it looks like 'deterioration', use that to your advantage for meaning, but focus your energy on the French pronunciation.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of 'D-E-T' as 'Down Every Time'. Deterioration is when things go Down Every Time.

视觉联想

Imagine a beautiful sandcastle on the beach. Then, imagine the tide slowly coming in and washing bits of it away. That slow washing away is 'détérioration'.

Word Web

Weather Health Buildings Economy Relations Time Neglect Decay

挑战

Write three sentences about things in your house that are undergoing 'détérioration' (e.g., an old sponge, a leaky tap, or a faded rug).

词源

Borrowed from the Late Latin 'deterioratio', which comes from 'deteriorare' (to make worse). This itself is derived from 'deterior' (worse), a comparative form related to 'de' (down/away).

原始含义: The act of making something worse or the state of being worse.

Romance (Latin root).

文化背景

Be sensitive when using this word to describe people; it can sound cold or clinical.

The English word 'deterioration' is almost a perfect cognate, but in French, it is used slightly more often in semi-formal daily speech.

The deterioration of the 'Ancien Régime' before the French Revolution. Scientific reports on the 'détérioration' of the Great Barrier Reef (often cited in French media). Literary descriptions of decay in the works of Émile Zola.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Medical

  • détérioration de l'état
  • détérioration cognitive
  • détérioration physique
  • noter une détérioration

Real Estate

  • détérioration des lieux
  • état de détérioration
  • détérioration par usure
  • constat de détérioration

Environment

  • détérioration de la couche d'ozone
  • détérioration des sols
  • détérioration du climat
  • freiner la détérioration

Economics

  • détérioration du pouvoir d'achat
  • détérioration de la balance commerciale
  • détérioration économique
  • subir une détérioration

Social

  • détérioration du climat social
  • détérioration des relations
  • détérioration des services
  • observer une détérioration

对话开场白

"Avez-vous remarqué une détérioration de la qualité des services récemment ?"

"Pensez-vous que la détérioration de l'environnement est réversible ?"

"Comment peut-on empêcher la détérioration des bâtiments historiques dans votre ville ?"

"La détérioration du climat social vous inquiète-t-elle ?"

"Avez-vous déjà subi une détérioration rapide de votre matériel informatique ?"

日记主题

Décrivez un objet que vous possédez et qui subit une détérioration avec le temps. Pourquoi est-il important pour vous ?

Réfléchissez à une relation qui a connu une détérioration. Quelles en étaient les causes principales ?

Écrivez sur la détérioration d'un quartier que vous connaissez. Quels changements avez-vous observés ?

Comment la détérioration de la santé mentale est-elle perçue dans votre culture ?

Imaginez le monde dans 50 ans si la détérioration de la biodiversité n'est pas freinée.

常见问题

10 个问题

It is feminine. You should always say 'la détérioration' or 'une détérioration'. This is a common rule for nouns ending in '-tion' in French.

Yes, but usually in a medical or physical sense (e.g., 'la détérioration de sa santé'). Using it for someone's personality can sound a bit cold or technical.

The verb is 'détériorer' (to damage/deteriorate) or the reflexive 'se détériorer' (to get worse). For example: 'Sa santé se détériore'.

It has two acute accents (accents aigus) on the first two 'e's: d-é-t-é-r-i-o-r-a-t-i-o-n.

They are very close synonyms. However, 'dégradation' is often used for environmental issues or intentional damage, while 'détérioration' often implies natural decay over time.

It is more common in formal contexts like news, medicine, or professional reports, but you will hear it in neutral daily life when talking about serious topics.

Common adjectives include 'rapide' (fast), 'progressive' (gradual), 'grave' (serious), and 'inquiétante' (worrying).

Yes, 'détériorations' is used when referring to multiple specific instances of damage or different types of decay.

Yes, it's considered B1 because it's a more sophisticated way to describe change and is essential for understanding news and formal documents.

Think of 'D-E-T' as 'Down Every Time' to remember that it means things are going down in quality.

自我测试 200 个问题

writing

Translate to French: 'The deterioration of the house is fast.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using 'détérioration' and 'santé'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'We must stop the deterioration of the environment.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a formal sentence about 'détérioration' in a company.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Explain 'détérioration' in your own French words (simple).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The deterioration of the paintings is due to humidity.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'détérioration' as the subject of a sentence.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'There is a marked deterioration in relations.'

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence about the deterioration of a car.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Intentional deterioration is a crime.'

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use the adjective 'progressive' with 'détérioration'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The deterioration of purchasing power.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Describe the deterioration of a garden.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Look at the deterioration of this old book.'

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using 'constater' and 'détérioration'.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The deterioration of the ozone layer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'détérioration' in a question.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'A rapid deterioration of the weather.'

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence about cognitive deterioration.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The deterioration of trust.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Pronounce 'détérioration' syllable by syllable.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'La détérioration de ma santé'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'C'est une détérioration rapide'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Use 'détérioration' in a sentence about a car.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Explain the word in one French sentence.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'Il faut freiner la détérioration'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Pronounce the nasal ending correctly: 'tion'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'La détérioration du climat social'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'Une détérioration progressive'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'Constater une détérioration'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'La détérioration de la couche d'ozone'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'Toute détérioration sera facturée'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'Détérioration cognitive'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'La détérioration des relations'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'C'est une détérioration irréversible'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'La détérioration des preuves'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'Subir une détérioration'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'Signes de détérioration'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'La détérioration du pouvoir d'achat'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'Détérioration volontaire'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen and identify the word: 'La détérioration est grave.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'La détérioration de la santé'. What is getting worse?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Une détérioration rapide'. What is the speed?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'La détérioration des murs'. What is damaged?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen for the gender: 'La détérioration'. Is it M or F?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Freiner la détérioration'. What is the action?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Détérioration du climat social'. Is it about weather?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Constater une détérioration'. Does the speaker see it?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Détérioration progressive'. Is it sudden?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'La détérioration de la confiance'. What is lost?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen for the plural: 'Les détériorations'.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Détérioration irréversible'. Can it be undone?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Détérioration due à l'humidité'. What is the cause?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Détérioration cognitive'. What field is this?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'La détérioration des manuscrits'. What are they?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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