rotten
UK: ˈrɒtn | US: ˈrɑːtn
adj. decayed or decomposed, often emitting a foul smell
adj. morally corrupt or dishonest
adj. (informal) very bad or unpleasant
rotten = rot<decay> + en<adjective suffix>
- rot (from Old English rotian, meaning "to decay or putrefy")
- en (a suffix used to form adjectives, often indicating a state or condition, as in "broken" or "golden")
Etymology Origin:
The word "rotten" originates from Old English rotian, which described the process of decay. Over time, the suffix -en was added to form an adjective, solidifying its meaning as "in a state of decay." The term later expanded metaphorically to describe moral corruption or extreme unpleasantness, reflecting how physical decay became a symbol for broader deterioration.
The apples left in the basket turned rotten after a week.
The politician was accused of running a rotten administration.
I had a rotten day at work because everything went wrong.
The wooden fence became rotten after years of rain and neglect.
His rotten behavior made him unpopular among his peers.