Definition

Adjective 1. In a state of decomposition or decay; having become rotten: Describes organic matter (like wood, fruit, or plant material) that has undergone a process of rotting, making it soft, weak, and often foul-smelling. 2. Damaged, weakened, or made unsound by decay: Extends to materials or structures that have been compromised and lost their strength or usefulness due to this process.

Usage

• The word "rotted" is primarily used as an adjective to describe the state or condition of something that has already undergone decay. It is the past participle form of the verb "rot" used adjectivally.
• It often describes natural materials, especially wood, food, and vegetation.
• It implies a state of being unusable, weak, or unsafe due to decay.

Examples

• The rotted timber of the old dock collapsed under the slightest weight.
• We had to remove the rotted apples from the bottom of the basket.
• The fence post was so rotted at the base that it fell over in the wind.
• A smell came from the rotted leaves piled in the corner of the garden.

Advanced Usage

• "to be rotted through": To be completely decayed, often implying the decay permeates the entire object, leaving no sound part.
  • The support beam was rotted through and posed a serious danger.
• Used figuratively to describe something that has metaphorically decayed or become corrupt (though "rotten" is more common in figurative use).
  • The foundations of their agreement had rotted away from years of mistrust. (Here, "rotted" is used as a verb in the past tense).

Variants and Related Words

• Rot (verb): To undergo decomposition; to decay.
  • The fruit will rot if left in the sun.
• Rotten (adjective): The more common adjective form meaning decayed or spoiled. It is also used figuratively to mean corrupt, very bad, or unpleasant.
  • a rotten egg; a rotten mood; rotten luck.
• Decayed (adjective): A more general synonym for having rotted or decomposed.
• Decomposed (adjective): Often used in a more scientific or formal context for organic matter that has rotted.

Synonyms

• Decayed
• Decomposed
• Putrid
• Spoiled
• Rotten

Antonyms

• Sound
• Fresh
• Preserved
• Intact

Adjective

1. damaged by decay; hence unsound and useless
   • rotten floor boards
   • rotted beams
   • a decayed foundation