How to Pronounce Deteriorate

To pronounce "deteriorate", say det-ER-ior-at-e — 5 syllables, IPA /dɪˈtɪɹiɝˌeɪt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

deteriorate

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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Syllables

Letters

/dɪˈtɪɹiɝˌeɪt/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/dɪtˈiəɹiəɹˌeɪt/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “deteriorate”

Break "deteriorate" into 5 beats and lean on "ER" — that's the stressed one. It rhymes with elucidate and articulate, if that helps it stick.

What does deteriorate mean?

verb

To make worse; to make inferior in quality or value; to impair.
“to deteriorate the mind”
To grow worse; to be impaired in quality; to degenerate.

Synonyms

degenerate go off nerf weaken worsen

Antonyms

ameliorate better improve revamp

Hear “deteriorate” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with deteriorate

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

elucidate articulate desolate facilitate profligate explicate deliberate delineate ruminate innate cultivate state

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "deteriorate"?▾

"Deteriorate" has 5 syllables: det · er · ior · at · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "deteriorate"?▾

The IPA transcription of "deteriorate" is /dɪˈtɪɹiɝˌeɪt/.

What does "deteriorate" mean?▾

Deteriorate: To make worse; to make inferior in quality or value; to impair.

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