Definition

The most decayed or spoiled, often used to describe food or something that has gone bad.

Example

The fruit in the basket was the rottenest I've ever seen, with a terrible smell.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Have you ever tasted the rottenest fruit ever?

No, I can't say that I have! What was it?

I once tried a mango that was just the worst; it smelled so bad.

Yikes! I don't think I could handle that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Rottenest → It is formed from "rotten" (from Old English "rotian", meaning to decay or decompose) and the superlative suffix "-est" (meaning most). The word "rottenest" means the most decayed or decomposed.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is decaying or decomposing ('rotten') and remember that 'rottenest' describes the most decayed of all.

Visually Confused Words