festering
n. countablen. a wound that is getting worse because it is infected and not being cleaned. It can also describe a problem that is getting worse over time because it is not being dealt with.
n. a wound or sore that is decaying and emitting a foul odour due to infection. Figuratively, it describes a situation or problem that is deteriorating through neglect or lack of resolution.
The doctor cleaned the festering wound to prevent an infection.
The manager ignored the festering issues in the department, leading to a total breakdown in communication.
The novel explores the festering resentment between the two families, which eventually culminates in a violent confrontation that destroys their shared history.
Last updated June 22, 2026