Definition

A medical or psychological condition where the body or mind fails to function properly, often leading to serious health issues.

Example

The patient was admitted to the hospital due to heart decompensation, which caused severe breathing difficulties.

Conversation

I read an article about heart health yesterday.

Really? What did it say?

It mentioned something about decompensation and how it can affect your body.

That sounds serious; I should probably pay more attention to my health.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Decompensation is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "compensare" (meaning to weigh together or balance). The term describes a state where a system or individual can no longer maintain balance or compensation, often in a medical context.

Memory Tip

Think of 'down' ('de-') leading to a loss of 'balance' ('compensare') — that's why decompensation means losing the ability to maintain balance.

Visually Confused Words