decay
verb (used without object)
to become decomposed; rot.
decayed
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Yet, despite this surge of security personnel, basic living conditions have only decayed.
From Slate ● Aug. 11, 2026
“Remote and hybrid work used to be a privilege, but its benefits over in-person work have decayed across the board,” Chris Martin, senior economist at Glassdoor, told MarketWatch.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 27, 2026
Pyne added the tree would not immediately disappear, and as it decayed over the next few decades, would provide a home to many animals and plants.
From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026
As the animal decayed hundreds of millions of years ago, its body changed in ways that later made it resemble an octopus when preserved in rock.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 7, 2026
As he neared the hamlet, he saw smoke in several of the chimneys and breathed a sigh of relief, for it was so lonely and decayed, he had feared it was a ghost town.
From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende
