English · Word Candidate

rotten

/ˈɹɒtn̩/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: rottener · rottenest

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Of perishable items, overridden with bacteria and other infectious agents.

Adjective

If you leave a bin unattended for a few weeks, the rubbish inside will turn rotten.

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

Adjective

The floors were damaged and the walls were rotten.

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 an extreme degree.

Adverb

That kid is spoilt rotten.

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).

What does “rotten” mean?

Of perishable items, overridden with bacteria and other infectious agents.

Is “rotten” formal or informal?

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