deteriorators
Things causing decline
Deteriorators are people or things that cause something to decline in quality, condition, or value.
The word is the agent noun form of deteriorate—whatever does the deteriorating: Moisture and sunlight are the main deteriorators of old photographs.
The term appears most often in technical or analytical contexts identifying causes of decay or degradation.
Chemical wearing away
- rustIron oxide coating
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- erosionGradual wearing away
- oxidationLosing electrons chemically
weathering · degradation · wear · abrasion · rot · mold · mildew · moisture
Disease-causing microorganisms
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
- parasitesOrganisms feeding off hosts
- pestsBothersome insects or animals
insects · termites · rodents · microbes · enzymes · decomposers · mold · algae
Suboptimal use of resources
- mismanagementIncompetent handling of responsibilities
- neglectFailure to provide care
- underfundingInadequate monetary allocation
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
bureaucracy · dysfunction · stagnation · entropy · decline · atrophy · obsolescence · complacency
Pressure, mental or vocal
- inflammationProtective tissue response
- toxinsHarmful biological substances
- pollutantsHarmful environmental substances
- carcinogensSubstances promoting tumor growth
sedentariness · malnutrition · dehydration · smoking · alcohol · oxidants · cortisol · pathogens
Opposition between parties
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
- distrustAbsence of confidence
- neglectFailure to provide care
- miscommunicationFailed exchange of meaning
betrayal · toxicity · negativity · criticism · contempt · stonewalling · defensiveness · dishonesty
corrosion
Chemical wearing away
oxidation · weathering · degradation · wear · abrasion · rot · mold · mildew · moisture · humidity
pathogens
Disease-causing microorganisms
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
- parasitesOrganisms feeding off hosts
pests · insects · termites · rodents · microbes · enzymes · decomposers · mold · algae · biofilm
inefficiency
Suboptimal use of resources
- mismanagementIncompetent handling of responsibilities
- neglectFailure to provide care
- underfundingInadequate monetary allocation
corruption · bureaucracy · dysfunction · stagnation · entropy · decline · atrophy · obsolescence · complacency · instability
stress
Pressure, mental or vocal
- inflammationProtective tissue response
- toxinsHarmful biological substances
- pollutantsHarmful environmental substances
carcinogens · sedentariness · malnutrition · dehydration · smoking · alcohol · oxidants · cortisol · pathogens · allergens
conflict
Opposition between parties
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
- distrustAbsence of confidence
- neglectFailure to provide care
miscommunication · betrayal · toxicity · negativity · criticism · contempt · stonewalling · defensiveness · dishonesty · jealousy
deterioratorspreservers
Things that maintain condition
maintainers · conservators · protectors · preservatives · conservers
deterioratorsimprovers
Those who make better
restorers · enhancers · renovators · rebuilders · rejuvenators
deteriorate, deterioration, deteriorated, deteriorating, deteriorates, deteriorations, undeteriorated, deteriorable