putrid

American  

[pyoo-trid] / ˈpyu trɪd /

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.

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putrid British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• putridity noun
• putridly adverb
• putridness noun
• unputrid adjective
• unputridity noun
• unputridly adverb
• unputridness noun

Etymology

Origin of putrid

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

Example Sentences

The Raiders were so putrid this season that they now own the No. 1 pick in April’s draft, giving the NFL’s most successful quarterback the chance to handpick a franchise quarterback of his own.

From The Wall Street Journal

For years, they pumped the putrid fluids deep into the ground—and triggered hundreds of earthquakes, some with a magnitude of over 5.

From The Wall Street Journal

But after a putrid start that has left them with only one win through nine weeks of the season, the Jets pivoted—and executed one of the most shocking deadline-day trades in history.

From The Wall Street Journal

The putrid chamber drama becomes a fantasia, befouled rags turn into tuxedo pants and it’s finally safe to belt how they feel.

From Los Angeles Times

In the morning, the sidewalk and pavement along Naomi Avenue are littered with crates of discarded melons, tomatoes and other overripe fruit, creating an ugly sight and putrid odor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contaminated
• fetid
• rancid
• rotting