B2adjectiveenvironmentscience
US/ˌbaɪ.oʊ.dɪˈɡreɪ.də.bəl/
UK/ˌbaɪ.əʊ.dɪˈɡreɪ.də.bəl/
able to break down naturally through bacteria, so that it does not harm the environment
In context
These shopping bags are biodegradable, so they will not stay in the soil for years.
Many cleaning products now claim to contain biodegradable ingredients.
Unlike plastic, food scraps are biodegradable and can be turned into compost.
Words that go with biodegradable
adjective + noun
- biodegradable plasticThe café serves drinks with biodegradable plastic lids.
- biodegradable packagingBiodegradable packaging is more expensive to produce.
- biodegradable wasteBiodegradable waste should be separated from other trash.
- biodegradable materialsCities are encouraging shops to use biodegradable materials.
adverb + adjective
- fully biodegradableThe cups are fully biodegradable within six months.
- readily biodegradableNatural fibers are readily biodegradable.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
biodegradeableCorrect: biodegradable