Words / B2

di-KAY/dɪˈkeɪ/

To decay is to rot or become gradually worse: tooth decay (noun); radioactive decay; institutions decay. Rot is everyday for food; decline is close for standards. Tooth decay rose in the catchment. Noun and verb share the spelling. Do not use decay for a sudden crash.

Meaning

To become gradually worse, weaker, or destroyed.

Examples

• “Tooth decay rose in the catchment after the sugar-tax delay.”
• “Moral decay is a comment-page phrase, which is figurative — use sparingly in exams.”

Good to know

tooth / urban / radioactive decay. Verb: decay. Everyday (food): rot. Close (standards): decline. Science and public health. Gradual process.

Near in meaning

rot

New