🇬🇧 Decay meaning: English Vocabulary Flash Card

Decay is what happens when something slowly breaks down, falls apart, or rots over time, like a forgotten apple getting soft, smelly, and moldy, or a tooth going bad because it wasn’t brushed.

The dentist said my tooth had decay, which is scientific code for “too many cookies attacked this tooth.”

The decay of the old log in the forest turned it into dirt, which is basically nature’s recycling program for tree leftovers.

When I opened my lunchbox from last week, the smell of decay escaped and probably set off car alarms outside.

The apple on the counter showed so much decay that even fruit flies were like, “Nah, we’re good.”

Fun fact: Decay is super important in nature—without decay from fungi, bacteria, and tiny creatures, dead plants and animals wouldn’t break down.

A girl finds an apple on the shelf. Soft skin, brown spots, the decay smells sweet and sad. She watches small insects near the decay. The decay grows, the decay changes color, the decay makes the room feel old. She picks up the apple, throws it out, and breathes fresh air.

Learn the meaning of decay with our educational learning resources. Download a colorful poster, print engaging games, and enjoy an easy story where the word decay appears in context. 👍

This word is at the B2 level, which means it’s used in more complex conversations and texts. It helps you discuss abstract ideas, express opinions clearly, and engage in discussions on a variety of topics, both personal and professional.

Expanding your English vocabulary is one of the best ways to improve your pronunciation, spelling, and confidence in English. Watch the video above to memorize the word, understand its meaning, and see example sentences in action. Discover related words to grow your vocabulary naturally. Add words to your playlist for stress-free, effective learning—anytime, anywhere! Watch, learn, repeat.