When things start to go downhill, it’s helpful to have the right words to describe the situation. In this article, we’ve gathered the top slang terms for deteriorate so you can navigate those rough patches with ease. Let’s dive in and upgrade your vocabulary with these essential expressions for when things take a turn for the worse!
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1. Go to pot
This phrase means that something is deteriorating or declining quickly.
- For example, “After the company’s CEO resigned, the company started to go to pot.”
- A person discussing a failing relationship might say, “Our marriage has gone to pot over the past few months.”
- In a discussion about a once-thriving neighborhood, someone might comment, “Ever since the factories closed down, this place has really gone to pot.”
2. Go downhill
This expression means that something is getting worse or deteriorating.
- For instance, “The quality of the product has really gone downhill since they changed the recipe.”
- A person talking about a failing business might say, “Once they lost their main client, the company started to go downhill.”
- In a conversation about a deteriorating friendship, someone might comment, “Our relationship has been going downhill for a while now.”
3. Fall apart
This phrase means that something is breaking down or deteriorating.
- For example, “The old car finally fell apart after years of neglect.”
- A person talking about their mental state might say, “I feel like I’m falling apart, everything is just too overwhelming.”
- In a discussion about a failing project, someone might comment, “Without proper management, this whole thing is going to fall apart.”
4. Hit the skids
This expression means that something or someone is experiencing a significant decline or deterioration.
- For instance, “Ever since the new manager took over, the team has really hit the skids.”
- A person talking about their financial situation might say, “After losing my job, my finances hit the skids.”
- In a conversation about a failing sports team, someone might comment, “Once their star player got injured, the whole team hit the skids.”
5. Degenerate
This term means to deteriorate or decline in quality or value.
- For example, “The once prestigious university has degenerated into a mediocre institution.”
- A person discussing a deteriorating neighborhood might say, “The area has degenerated over the years, with crime rates increasing.”
- In a discussion about a failing economy, someone might comment, “Corruption and mismanagement have caused the economy to degenerate.”
6. Crumble
To crumble means to break or fall apart into small pieces. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or relationship that is deteriorating or collapsing.
- For example, “The old building began to crumble after years of neglect.”
- In a figurative sense, one might say, “Their friendship started to crumble after a series of betrayals.”
- Another example could be, “The company’s profits began to crumble due to mismanagement.”
7. Waste away
To waste away means to gradually deteriorate or become weaker over time. It can refer to a person’s physical or mental health, as well as the gradual decline of something.
- For instance, “He wasted away after months of illness.”
- In a figurative sense, one might say, “Her dreams of becoming a musician slowly wasted away.”
- Another example could be, “The city’s infrastructure is wasting away due to lack of maintenance.”
8. Break down
To break down means to collapse or fall apart, either physically or emotionally. It can also refer to the process of analyzing or explaining something in detail.
- For example, “The car broke down on the side of the road.”
- In a figurative sense, one might say, “She broke down in tears after receiving bad news.”
- Another example could be, “The teacher broke down the complex math problem into smaller steps.”
9. Decay
To decay means to gradually deteriorate or decompose, usually due to natural processes. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the decline or deterioration of something non-physical.
- For instance, “The fallen leaves decayed on the forest floor.”
- In a figurative sense, one might say, “The neighborhood has decayed over the years due to neglect.”
- Another example could be, “The company’s reputation began to decay after a series of scandals.”
10. Wither
To wither means to become weak, thin, or shriveled, usually as a result of lack of nourishment or care. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the decline or deterioration of something.
- For example, “The flowers withered in the intense heat.”
- In a figurative sense, one might say, “His confidence withered after constant criticism.”
- Another example could be, “The team’s chances of winning withered as key players got injured.”