# festering

/ˈfɛstɝɪŋ/ (US) · /fˈɛstəɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/festering
Updated: 2026-06-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

---

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.