VocabDictionary

rotten

/ˈrɒt.ən/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Morally corrupt or dishonest.

Example Sentences:
  • There is something rotten in the way that company handles its finances.
  • He is a rotten person who takes advantage of the elderly.
2.adjective

Very unpleasant, poor in quality, or unfortunate.

Example Sentences:
  • I feel rotten about missing your birthday party.
  • We had rotten luck with the weather during our entire vacation.
3.adjective

Suffering from decay or decomposition; putrid.

Example Sentences:
  • The smell of rotten fruit filled the kitchen.
  • The wooden floorboards were rotten from years of water damage.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “rotten”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'roten', which traces back to the Old Norse 'rotinn', meaning 'decayed'. It is related to the Old English 'rotian' (to rot), sharing a common Germanic root that describes the process of organic matter breaking down.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'ROTTEN' apple that has 'ROTTED' away in the garden.

Frequently Asked Questions About “rotten

1. What is the meaning of “rotten” in English?

In English, rotten (adjective) is defined as: “Morally corrupt or dishonest.”.

2. How do you use “rotten” in a sentence?

There is something rotten in the way that company handles its finances.

3. What are English synonyms of “rotten”?

Common synonyms include:decayed,putrid,spoiled,corrupt,decomposed

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “rotten”?

Derived from the Middle English 'roten', which traces back to the Old Norse 'rotinn', meaning 'decayed'. It is related to the Old English 'rotian' (to rot), sharing a common Germanic root that describes the process of organic matter breaking down.