Ideas to revive grass that continues to die?

A fungus is present in the area. Try a fungus prevention solution, evaluate the results, and determine if you need further assistance. efa

I had this problem as well, One day me and my husband go sick and tired of it so we rental the tilling machine from HOME DEPOT we overturned every inch of our yard and tried to get rid of as much weed as possible trying not to replant weeds, then we threw across the lawn fresh seeds. (Some may opt to purchase lawn patches by the sq ft but that can be costly) Planting seeds takes more time but beautiful lawn in the end, and as the weed grows continue to pull them before they become unmanageable. Basically the weed sucks the life out of grass and is the main reason for dead grass or that area is getting too much water in which you plant flowers to make a rain garden in that area. Hopes this helps!

Could be numerous conditions....Fungus,grub,overfertilizer,not the correct fertilizer.Start with scaling the area a few inches of soil to see if there are grub present, if so apply a grub control.Second look for irregularities in the soil, such as mold etc.should that be visible treat for a fungus

My front yard was like that. I just let it go...Paid it little attention. It naturalized beautifully with local plants.

I don't think Gamisha read your problem completely. She seems to have had a different problem than you do. I might try Elaine's suggestion, however, I would be inclined to contact a gardening/ag specialist at your local plant center or community college. Testing the soil is probably going to be you best bet and help you to avoid more frustrating time and money expenditures trying different possible remedies.

It could be compacted soil... it could be bugs / fungi / infertility... I'd get a specialist... you can go in circles for years if you go by trial and error.

Is this in a shady all day area? It won't grow in total shade, but loves part shade. Your local nursery might be able to help with special seed or advice to plant something else.

Most housing tracts bring in soil to build up areas to compensate for water puddling and for other reasons as well.... you could have a lot that got soil that had been treated with a sterilizing agent... you need to get a specialist to come and evaluate the actual dirt itself... and determine if you need to replace all the topsoil in your yard.... Have you considered artificial turf... just think.... no mowing.... and right now you are spending as much or more money trying to get real grass to grow.