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Rotten Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rotten

[ˈrɒtən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

food

Decayed or decomposed, usually giving off a foul smell. Rotten food is unsafe to eat and should be thrown away.

Synonyms

decayed, rotting, spoiled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rotten

Used to describe something, usually food or organic material, that is in a very bad condition due to decomposition. Often has a strong, unpleasant smell.

  • The apples in the basket are rotten.
  • I accidentally stepped on a piece of rotten wood.
spoiled

Usually used for food that has gone bad, but can also describe children who have been given everything they want and act poorly as a result. The term can have a negative connotation when used for people.

  • I threw out the milk because it was spoiled.
  • The spoiled child refused to share his toys.
rotting

Describes the process of something currently undergoing decomposition. Generally refers to food or organic material and often emphasizes the progressive nature of the decay.

  • The fruit in the bowl is rotting away.
  • You could smell the rotting trash from the other end of the street.
decayed

Typically used to discuss something that has undergone a long process of breaking down, often over a prolonged period. Can refer to organic matter like teeth or wood, but also metaphorically to societal structures.

  • The decayed leaves covered the forest floor.
  • His teeth had decayed due to years of neglect.

Examples of usage

  • The apple had turned rotten and was covered in mold.
  • She accidentally left the milk out overnight and it went rotten.
  • The smell coming from the fridge indicated that something had gone rotten.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Dishonest, corrupt, or morally reprehensible. Rotten behavior is not acceptable in a civilized society.

Synonyms

corrupt, deceitful, unethical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rotten

Use this word when describing something that has decayed or spoiled, like food. It can also describe a morally bad person but with a focus on their deeply negative nature.

  • The apples in the basket are rotten.
  • He is a rotten person who enjoys making others suffer.
corrupt

This word suits situations involving a person or institution lacking integrity, often in the context of power or politics.

  • The politician was corrupt and took bribes.
  • The company was corrupt, engaging in illegal activities to increase profits.
unethical

Best for describing actions or behavior that do not conform to accepted moral standards, often in professional settings.

  • The scientist was fired for unethical research practices.
  • It is unethical to use someone else's work without giving credit.
deceitful

Perfect for describing someone who lies or misleads others intentionally.

  • She was deceitful, always hiding the truth to benefit herself.
  • His deceitful behavior ruined many relationships.

Examples of usage

  • He was involved in a rotten scheme to defraud investors.
  • Her rotten attitude towards her colleagues caused tension in the workplace.
  • The politician's rotten actions were exposed by the media.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'rotten'

The word 'rotten' has its origins in the Old English word 'rotian', meaning 'to decay'. Over time, it evolved to 'rotten' in Middle English, retaining its core meaning of decay. The concept of something being 'rotten' has long been associated with the idea of decomposition and decay, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.

See also: rot, rotate, roti, rotor, rottenness, rotting, rotund.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,619, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.