Decaying
/dɪˈkeɪɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo undergo the process of decomposition or disintegration; to decline in health, strength, or prosperity.
/dɪˈkeɪ/
To rot or decompose; to gradually decline in quality or health.
The old house was slowly decaying due to lack of maintenance.
💡 Simply: Think of a banana that's been sitting on your counter for too long. It starts to turn brown and get soft. That's decaying! It's getting old and breaking down.
👶 For kids: When something is decaying, it's slowly breaking down and getting yucky, like when food goes bad.
More Examples
Food left out too long will eventually decay.
His memory of the event was decaying over time.
How It's Used
"The dead leaves are decaying on the forest floor."
"His political influence was slowly decaying after the scandal."
Undergoing or having undergone decomposition; declining in health or strength.
/dɪˈkeɪɪŋ/
In a state of decomposition or decline.
The decaying wood of the old ship was a hazard to navigation.
💡 Simply: Imagine a house that's not taken care of. The paint is peeling, the wood is rotting...that house is decaying. It's getting worse and worse.
👶 For kids: If something is decaying, it's like it's getting old and starting to fall apart, like a piece of fruit that's not fresh anymore.
More Examples
A decaying ecosystem struggles to support life.
The decaying relationship was beyond repair.
How It's Used
"The decaying leaves provided nutrients to the soil."
"The decaying empire was losing its power."
From Middle English decaien, from Old French decair (to fall, decay), from Vulgar Latin *cadere (to fall).
The word 'decay' has been used since the 13th century to describe the process of decline or disintegration.
Memory tip
Imagine a cake left out in the sun; it slowly *decays*.