decompose
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
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to break down (organic matter) or (of organic matter) to be broken down physically and chemically by bacterial or fungal action; rot
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chem to break down or cause to break down into simpler chemical compounds
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to break up or separate into constituent parts
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(tr) maths to express in terms of a number of independent simpler components, as a set as a canonical union of disjoint subsets, or a vector into orthogonal components
Related Words
See decay.
Other Word Forms
- decomposability noun
- decomposable adjective
- decomposition noun
- undecomposable adjective
Etymology
Origin of decompose
1745–55; < French décomposer, equivalent to dé- dis- 1 + composer to compose
Explanation
The verb decompose means to break down or decay, like tree leaves that decompose into dirt, or cell phone batteries that decompose, resulting in more frequent charging for the user. You know that the prefix de- means "remove" or "undo." And something that's composed is made up of parts. So to decompose is to undo all the parts until they go back to their original state: dirt. Living things decompose. When things like buildings or organizations break down, you typically use words like dismantle or deconstruct to describe the process.
Vocabulary lists containing decompose
"The Ravine," Vocabulary from the short story
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Can You Dig It? Words for Dirt and Soil
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"Living in the Dark," Vocabulary from the science article
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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.
Despite recycling efforts, most plastic ends up in landfills where it can take centuries to decompose, leaching out chemicals during that time, Deeney said.
From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026
This creates a powerful feedback loop: more nutrients lead to more algae, which consume more oxygen as they decompose, which in turn releases even more nutrients.
From Science Daily • Nov. 2, 2025
They found odours relating to the break-down of animal fats used in the embalming process, which could indicate the body is beginning to decompose.
From BBC • Feb. 14, 2025
Because bodies decompose incredibly quickly in the sweltering heat, the total number is almost certainly higher.
From Salon • Oct. 4, 2024
In other words, there are parts of the whole dining-out experience that we can decompose and outsource.
From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
