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

• decadally adverb

Etymology

Origin of decadal

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

Example Sentences

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 is hugely consequential — it is a decadal decision,” said Barry Vesser, chief program officer at nonprofit The Climate Center.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2025

In November 2021, the project tied for second among new ground-based facilities in astronomers’ latest decadal survey, a periodic wish list that guides federal spending.

From Science Magazine • May 9, 2024

"As we go through the decadal snapshots, you see these bumps in general getting smaller and sometimes completely disappearing," Dr Miles said.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2024

In the month of Prairial, year III, he was compelled to go down on his knees on the stage and ask pardon for having made incendiary speeches at some previous period in the decadal temple.

From The Modern Regime, Volume 1 by Durand, John