decaying
adj.adj. rotting or slowly breaking down because of age or natural processes. You use this to describe things like old buildings or fallen leaves that are falling apart.
adj. undergoing a process of decomposition or gradual decline in quality, health, or structural integrity. Often used to describe organic matter or urban environments.
The forest floor is covered in decaying leaves.
The city is trying to renovate several decaying buildings in the old industrial district to attract new businesses.
The documentary explores the haunting beauty of decaying mansions, where peeling wallpaper and crumbling masonry tell the story of a forgotten era of architectural grandeur.
From decay + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Typically used attributively before a noun to describe a state of rot or decline.
Last updated May 8, 2026