decadal

American  

[dek-uh-dl] / ˈdɛk ə dl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a decade.

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Usage

What does decadal mean? Decadal is used to describe something that involves or lasts for a decade or a period of 10 consecutive years, as in a decadal growth rate. Decadal is mostly used to describe something that lasted for 10 years, occurred over 10 years, or is concerned with a time period of 10 years. A decadal climate change survey, for example, is a survey that records 10 years of climate change data. The similar word decennial can describe something related to a decade, too, but it can also describe something that happens once every 10 years, such as the U. S. Census. Decadal is not used this way. Example: In order to have enough data, the scientists studied decadal periods of temperature change.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• decadally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of decadal

First recorded in 1745–55; decade + -al ¹

Example Sentences

"We do need to worry about the impacts," said Prof Adam Scaife, head of monthly to decadal prediction at the UK Met Office.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

The report was produced by Britain's Met Office national weather service and the WMO's lead centre for annual to decadal climate prediction.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

The research indicates that at least during one phase of Snowball Earth, the climate continued to fluctuate on yearly, decadal, and even century long timescales, with patterns resembling those seen in the modern climate system.

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2026

“It’s just the initial part of a decadal average,” she said of recent records.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2024

The decadal reductions, which were abolished by the Act of 1903, worked out at about 15 per cent. reduction in the annuity every ten years.

From The New Irish Constitution by Morgan, J. H.