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rotten

/ˈɹɒtn̩/

When used to describe food, "rotten" usually refers to organic matter that has decayed naturally over time. In a social or moral context, it describes something fundamentally broken or dishonest. The phrase "rotten to the core" is commonly used to emphasize that someone or something is completely corrupt. When describing a day or a feeling (e.g., "a rotten mood"), the word is informal and simply means very unpleasant or unlucky.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is at her college apartment and Karen is at home.
Karen Smith

Did you finally toss those rotten peaches in your bag?

Karen Smith
Chloe Smith
Chloe Smith

Still haven't got around to it. My room is a total disaster.

💡
Karen is passive-aggressively monitoring Chloe's hygiene from afar. Chloe uses the phrasal verb 'got around to' to express procrastination, reflecting her overwhelmed student persona.

Meanings

adjective

Decayed or decomposed and no longer edible or usable.

"The bin was full of rotten vegetables."

adjective

Morally corrupt; dishonest or unethical.

"The entire political system is rotten to the core."

adjective

Very bad, unpleasant, or unfortunate.

"I've had a rotten day at work."

Related Words

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error