B1adjectivefood
US/ˈrɑː.tən/
UK/ˈrɒt.ən/
gone bad and soft because it is old; also (informal) very bad or unpleasant
In context
Throw away those rotten bananas before they attract flies.
The wooden floor of the old house was rotten in places.
We had rotten weather for the whole holiday.
Words that go with rotten
adjective + noun
- rotten eggThe drain smells like rotten eggs.
- rotten fruitSellers at the market throw rotten fruit into a big bin.
- rotten woodThe bridge was dangerous because of the rotten wood.
- rotten luckIt was rotten luck that it rained on your wedding day.
verb + adjective
- go rottenMangoes go rotten quickly in hot weather.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
These apples are rotted.Correct: These apples are rotten.