Pronunciation: /dɪˈkeɪ/
noun the process of gradual deterioration or decomposition
A1 The apple showed signs of decay.
A2 Leaves on the forest floor were in various stages of decay.
B1 The decay of the old building was evident in the crumbling walls.
B2 The decay of morals in society is a concerning issue.
C1 The decay of the once thriving industry was a result of poor management.
C2 The decay of the ancient ruins was a stark reminder of the passage of time.
verb to undergo the process of decay; to decompose or deteriorate
A1 Fruit will decay if left out for too long.
A2 Leaves on the ground begin to decay over time.
B1 The old building had started to decay due to neglect.
B2 Without proper maintenance, the infrastructure will slowly decay.
C1 The once vibrant city began to decay as industries moved away.
C2 The ancient ruins show signs of decay after centuries of exposure to the elements.
formal The process of decay in the old building was carefully studied by the preservation experts.
informal The fruit started to decay after sitting out for too long.
slang I can't believe how fast my teeth are decaying from all the soda I drink.
figurative The decay of trust between the two friends was evident in their strained conversations.
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