putrid

[ pyoo-trid ]

adjective

1. in a state of foul decay or decomposition, as animal or vegetable matter; rotten.
2. of, relating to, or attended by putrefaction.
3. having the odor of decaying flesh.

   Synonyms: fetid

4. thoroughly corrupt, depraved, or evil.

   Synonyms: immoral

5. of very low quality; rotten.

putrid

/ ˈpjuːtrɪd /

adjective

1. (of organic matter) in a state of decomposition, usually giving off a foul smell

   putrid meat

2. morally corrupt or worthless
3. sickening; foul

   a putrid smell

4. informal.
   deficient in quality or value

   a putrid film

Derived Forms

• puˈtridity, noun
• ˈputridly, adverb

Other Words From

• pu·tridi·ty putrid·ness noun
• putrid·ly adverb
• un·putrid adjective
• un·putrid·ly adverb
• un·putrid·ness noun
• unpu·tridi·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of putrid¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin putridus rotten, equivalent to putr ( ēre ) to rot + -idus -id ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of putrid¹

C16: from Latin putridus rotten, from putrēre to be rotten

Example Sentences

She also devastates a corner so putrid-looking, it resembles Dijon mustard tie-dye.

From Time

They forced turnovers but not misses from their opponents, and their rebounding was putrid on both ends of the floor.

From FiveThirtyEight

They have putrid California grapes for eyes, puffed-out cheeks of spoiled plums, sweltered eggplant lips.

From The Daily Beast

“The article appears to consist in whole or in part of a filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance,” noted the official report form.

From The Daily Beast

In the latest CBS/NYT poll, the GOP had a putrid 31 percent approval rating, its lowest ever recorded.

From The Daily Beast

The instant she'd opened him up, she detected the putrid, pungent smell of booze as it breaks down in the body.

From The Daily Beast

On crossing it for the first time, I perceived lying about me half putrid cats and dogs—and even a mule in the same state.

From Project Gutenberg

The putrid flesh came away with the garments, but the drunkards never heeded.

From Project Gutenberg

Again, we will pass through stinking sewers, up to our elbows in putrid filth.

From Project Gutenberg

The most delicate birds, even grouse, may be kept this way, if not putrid.

From Project Gutenberg

Their bodies, when putrid, floated down the stream, and many in all probability were deposited in the estuary of the Plata.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• contaminated
• fetid
• rancid
• rotting