deteriorative

comparative more deteriorative · superlative most deteriorative

1. Causing deterioration.

   Dr. C. Lee Carlisle’s article on Maniacal Conditions in Young Adults deals with the differential diagnosis between the non-deteriorative and the deteriorative psychoses.

   1907, The Lancet, J. Onwhyn, page 93

   4 more examples

   In this spirit, it is desirable that wars should be considered, not as an evilI whose bitterness may be redeemed by the meretricious glory which sometimes covers its atrocities with a fictitious splendour, but one which is in every way deteriorative of our happiness and prosperity — as subservient to tyranny and despotism, inimical to the rights of the people, and generally prejudicial to society.

   1825, Keith Feiling, The Edinburgh Magazine and Literary Miscellany 1825-02: Volume 16, Open Court Publishing Company, page 195

   The first point of inquiry in this case relates to the character of the chemical changes which take place during the combustion of ordinary fuel; the second, to the mechanical adaptations which are required to permit of certain mutual laws coming freely or uninterruptedly into operation. With regard to the nature of the chemical action involved in the process of combustion, the matter is simple enough — repeated investigations have clearly explained these phenomena; but with respect to the mechanical contrivances by means of which that chemical action is to be maintained continuously at its maximum, without, at the same time, establishing a deteriorative action, much greater difficulty exists.

   1843, Artizan Club, The Artizan, Simpkin, Marshall, and Company, page 211

   Notwithstanding, therefore, any partial success which may have attended the application of metal to constructions of this description, the effect of such introductions upon architectural excellence has been deteriorative, and in the inverse ratio; and it is lamentable to reflect, that after so much native power and effort have been expended in their appropriation, we have hitherto been destitute of any laws and examples of design whereby uniformity, consistency, and harmony in architectural purpose and effect, not in parts only, but as a whole, can through metallic agency be attained.

   1847, Keith Feiling, Minim 1847-03-06: Volume 1, Issue 18, Open Court Publishing Co, page 281

   This schema is especially fruitful for Mr. McGirk because if he tries to adapt our situation to this model it simultaneously exposes a “war crime cover-up” and shows the deteriorative (albeit exaggerated) effects of war on U.S. marines (the best of the best), which could be expanded by the general press as a testament for why the U.S. should pull out of Iraq.

   2007 June 24, Paul Von Zielbauer, “A Marine Tutorial on Media ‘Spin’”, in New York Times