English · Word Candidate

decay

/dɪˈkeɪ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: decays · decaying · decayed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Rot; any processes or result of organic matter being gradually decomposed, especially by microbial action.

Noun

tooth decay/dental decay—wood-decay fungi—bacterial decay—photochemical decay

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Deterioration of condition; loss of status, quality, strength, or fortune.

Noun

civic and moral decay—systemic decay—fall into decay—urban decay—arrested decay—memory decay

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To deteriorate, to get worse, to lose strength or health, to decline in quality.

Verb

The pair loved to take pictures in the decaying hospital on forty-third street.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To deteriorate, to get worse, to lose strength or health, to decline in quality. — To undergo bit rot, that is, gradual degradation.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “decay” mean?

Rot; any processes or result of organic matter being gradually decomposed, especially by microbial action.

Is “decay” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.