ENGLISH
REFERENCE

decaying

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //dɪˈkeɪɪŋ// UK //dɪkˈeɪɪŋ// de·cay·ing

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.


SIMPLE

The forest floor is covered in decaying leaves.

CONTEXTUAL

The city is trying to renovate several decaying buildings in the old industrial district to attract new businesses.

COMPLEX

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.

Synonyms
Origin

From decay + -ing.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun to describe a state of rot or decline.

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