Deterioration is a term used to describe the process of DECLINE or DEGENERATION. DEGENERATION (12 letters) is the process of becoming worse or more inferior, while ADULTERATION (12 letters) is the process of making something worse by adding impure or inferior elements. DOWNFALL (8 letters) is the process of DECLINE or collapse, and DILAPIDATION (12 letters) is the process of becoming ruined or decayed. SHAME (5 letters) is an emotion of distress caused by a sense of guilt or DISGRACE, while ATROPHY (7 letters) is the process of wasting away or weakening. RETROGRESSION (13 letters) is the process of going back or returning to a former state, while DECLENSION (10 letters) is the process of declining or diminishing. RETURN (6 letters) is the act of coming back or reverting to a former state, while FAILURE (7 letters) is the lack of success or the inability to perform a task. BACKSLIDING (11 letters) is the process of regressing or reverting to a former state, while DECLINE (7 letters) is the process of gradually becoming weaker or worse. DISGRACE (8 letters) is a state of dishonor or humiliation, while SLUMP (5 letters) is a period of DECLINE or recession. DAMAGE (6 letters) is the act of causing harm or destruction, while FALL (4 letters) is the act of descending or dropping. EBB (3 letters) is the gradual decrease or DECLINE, while ROT (3 letters) is the process of decaying or decomposing. WEAR (4 letters) is the process of being worn away or diminished, while IMPAIRMENT (10 letters) is the act of making something worse or less effective.