# decayed

/dəˈkeɪd/ (US) · /dɪkˈeɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/decayed
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to fall into a bad state because of age, disease, or lack of care. You use this to describe things like old buildings, old teeth, or old wood.

For teachers: to undergo a process of deterioration or disintegration, typically due to age, disease, or environmental factors. Often used in biological contexts to describe the breakdown of organic matter.

## Examples

- The old wooden fence has decayed over the years.
- The dentist explained that the decayed tooth needed to be removed before the infection could spread to the rest of the jaw.
- The once-magnificent palace stood in ruins, its stone walls decayed by centuries of exposure to the harsh coastal winds and relentless salt spray.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.