decays; decayed; decaying
1
: to be slowly destroyed by natural processes : to be slowly broken down by the natural processes that destroy a dead plant or body
Tomatoes that fall off the vine will decay [=rot] on the ground.
a dead fish decaying [=decomposing] on the beach
the smell of decaying/decayed rubbish
dead plants and leaves decayed by bacteria
2
: to slowly lose strength, health, etc.
She believes that the moral fiber of our society is decaying.
our decaying public school system
His mind/health is beginning to decay. [=decline]
3
of a building, area, etc.
: to go slowly from a bad condition to a worse condition : to slowly enter a state of ruin
The city's neighborhoods are decaying.
: the process or result of decaying: such as
a
: the process or result of being slowly destroyed by natural processes
the decay of dead plants and leaves
tooth decay
b
: the slow loss of strength, health, etc.
She writes about the moral decay of our society.
We're concerned about the decay [=deterioration] of our public school system.
the patient's physical and mental decay
c
of a building, area, etc.
: the process or result of going slowly from a bad condition to a worse condition
The city's neighborhoods are in slow decay.
She wants to restore an old theater that is falling into decay. [=falling into ruin]
Cite this Entry
“Decay.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/decay. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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