rotten
1 of 2adjective
rot·ten ˈrä-tᵊn 
1
: having rotted : putrid
2
: morally corrupt
3
: extremely unpleasant or inferior
a rotten day
a rotten job
4
: very uncomfortable
feeling rotten
5
: of very poor quality : lousy, abominable
a rotten show
what rotten luck
rottenly adverb
rottenness
ˈrä-tᵊn-(n)əs
noun rotten
2 of 2adverb
: to an extreme degree
spoiled rotten
Synonyms
Adjective
- addled
- bad
- corrupted
- decayed
- decomposed
- putrefied
- putrid
- spoiled
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective They did a rotten job. What rotten weather we're having. Adverb Those kids were spoiled rotten by their mother.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sophie Reardon, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2022 The gas, which smells like rotten eggs, can affect people with breathing problems such as asthma. Fox News, 4 Aug. 2022 The gas, which smells like rotten eggs, which can affect people with breathing problems such as asthma. Dánica Coto, Anchorage Daily News, 3 Aug. 2022 Mercaptan is a harmless chemical added to natural gas that smells like rotten eggs so that people can detect a possible leak. From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 26 July 2022 Shortly after, residents of Carson began reporting a foul odor, resembling vomit or rotten eggs, emanating from the channel. Christian Martinezstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2022 The Salinas case was another one that seemed to reflect something rotten across the border. Washington Post, 3 June 2022 In other words: Is something rotten in Santa Clara? Eric Branch, San Francisco Chronicle, 4 Mar. 2022 As many readers noted, the Envínate Benje had a slightly funky aroma, which smelled to me like flowers and red fruits, with a touch of rotten egg. New York Times, 17 Feb. 2022 Chris Bryant | Bloomberg, Washington Post, 29 Aug. 2019 See More
Adjective
The sheriff's office reminded people that if something smells like rotten eggs or gas, leave the house or building and call the utility company or emergency services. Sophie Reardon, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2022 The gas, which smells like rotten eggs, can affect people with breathing problems such as asthma. Fox News, 4 Aug. 2022 The gas, which smells like rotten eggs, which can affect people with breathing problems such as asthma. Dánica Coto, Anchorage Daily News, 3 Aug. 2022 Mercaptan is a harmless chemical added to natural gas that smells like rotten eggs so that people can detect a possible leak. From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 26 July 2022 Shortly after, residents of Carson began reporting a foul odor, resembling vomit or rotten eggs, emanating from the channel. Christian Martinezstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2022 The Salinas case was another one that seemed to reflect something rotten across the border. Washington Post, 3 June 2022 In other words: Is something rotten in Santa Clara? Eric Branch, San Francisco Chronicle, 4 Mar. 2022 As many readers noted, the Envínate Benje had a slightly funky aroma, which smelled to me like flowers and red fruits, with a touch of rotten egg. New York Times, 17 Feb. 2022 Adverb
If underlings are afraid to question authority or the board lack independent voices, a corporate culture can soon turn rotten. Chris Bryant | Bloomberg, Washington Post, 29 Aug. 2019 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English roten, from Old Norse rotinn; akin to Old English rotian to rot
First Known Use
Adjective
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adverb
1880, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing rotten
Kids Definition
rotten
adjective
rot·ten ˈrä-tᵊn
1
: having rotted
rotten wood
2
: morally bad
3
: of poor quality
They did a rotten job.
4
: very unpleasant
… being a teenager is pretty rotten—between pimples and worrying about how you smell! Judy Blume, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
Judy Blume, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.rotten
adjective
1
as in spoiled
having undergone organic breakdown rotten, smelly meat that should have been thrown out Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- spoiled
- rotting
- decayed
- putrid
- decomposed
- bad
- corrupted
- putrefied
- sour
- polluted
- addled
- soured
- rancid
- decaying
- contaminated
- tainted
- turned
- fermented
- decomposing
- crumbled
- moldy
- corroded
- deteriorated
- fouled
- degenerated
- impure
- off
- disintegrated
- defiled
- curdled
- disintegrating
- putrefying
- rank
- putrescent
- sourish
- mildewy
- gangrenous
- moldering
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- fresh
- good
- sweet
- undecomposed
- untouched
- preserved
- unspoiled
- uncontaminated
- pristine
- unpolluted
- untainted
- undefiled
2
as in evil
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable played a rotten trick and then lied about it Synonyms & Similar Words
- evil
- bad
- immoral
- sinful
- vile
- unlawful
- dark
- vicious
- wicked
- corrupt
- wrong
- ugly
- villainous
- obscene
- dirty
- cruel
- nefarious
- cursed
- iniquitous
- infamous
- nasty
- unsavory
- unethical
- illegal
- improper
- offensive
- unrighteous
- unauthorized
- sick
- fallen
- contemptible
- naughty
- condemned
- sordid
- disreputable
- ill
- despicable
- depraved
- infernal
- ignoble
- dishonest
- degenerate
- perverted
- atrocious
- base
- prohibited
- miserable
- loose
- unhealthy
- wretched
- noxious
- forbidden
- unwholesome
- pernicious
- mean
- pestilential
- debased
- debauched
- scrofulous
- objectionable
- snide
- incorrect
- unclean
- reprobate
- reprehensible
- dissolute
- lousy
- ungodly
- defiling
- unprincipled
- unscrupulous
- banned
- censurable
- evil-minded
- low
- blamable
- low-minded
- outlawed
- execrable
- libertine
- unseemly
- blameworthy
- indecent
- discouraged
- dishonorable
- barred
- proscribed
- vulgar
- cussed
- unbecoming
- errant
- curst
- indecorous
- disallowed
- interdicted
- erring
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- good
- moral
- right
- high
- decent
- honest
- virtuous
- sublime
- honorable
- ethical
- noble
- righteous
- just
- legitimate
- upright
- legal
- lofty
- elevated
- reputable
- scrupulous
- permitted
- permissible
- clean
- licensed
- proper
- white
- correct
- decent
- endorsed
- approved
- authorized
- promoted
- sanctioned
- pure
- allowed
- supported
- legitimate
- principled
- exemplary
- perfect
- wholesome
- high-minded
- seemly
- innocent
- incorruptible
- uncorrupted
- law-abiding
- decorous
- blameless
- venerable
- immaculate
- encouraged
- creditable
- spotless
- worthy
- commendable
- irreproachable
- guiltless
- unobjectionable
- indorsed
- inoffensive
- chaste
- esteemed
- respected
- abetted
- unerring
- unfallen
- upstanding
- squeaky-clean
- lily-white
3
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses had a rotten time while on vacation Synonyms & Similar Words
- unpleasant
- bad
- sour
- nasty
- ugly
- disgusting
- harsh
- horrible
- bitter
- awful
- unpleasing
- sickening
- wicked
- yucky
- icky
- disagreeable
- dreadful
- hideous
- unlovely
- yukky
- vile
- unwelcome
- sick
- shocking
- unpalatable
- uncongenial
- unsavory
- distasteful
- loathsome
- revolting
- horrid
- displeasing
- abominable
- odious
- repulsive
- gross
- appalling
- repugnant
- ghastly
- hateful
- annoying
- wretched
- gnarly
- foul
- unholy
- miserable
- obnoxious
- abhorrent
- nauseating
- irritating
- noisome
- horrendous
- bilious
- hellish
- scandalous
- villainous
- crummy
- obscene
- repellent
- nauseous
- lousy
- invidious
- seamy
- crappy
- god-awful
- offensive
- crumby
- aggravating
- beastly
- vexing
- revulsive
- sucky
- galling
- cruddy
- repellant
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- good
- nice
- pleasant
- grateful
- agreeable
- welcome
- congenial
- delicious
- satisfying
- delightful
- gratifying
- sweet
- palatable
- pleasurable
- charming
- jolly
- pleasing
- delectable
- friendly
- dreamy
- amiable
- kindly
- felicitous
- cheery
4
as in horrible
extremely unsatisfactory rotten housing conditions that no one should be forced to tolerate Synonyms & Similar Words
- horrible
- terrible
- awful
- poor
- wretched
- bad
- defective
- lousy
- dismal
- atrocious
- sucky
- execrable
- punk
- flawed
- miserable
- inadequate
- lacking
- worthless
- shameful
- substandard
- contemptible
- useless
- insufficient
- deficient
- off
- inferior
- mediocre
- faulty
- vile
- abominable
- bum
- valueless
- odious
- wanting
- damnable
- reprehensible
- second-rate
- low-grade
- fiendish
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- great
- wonderful
- marvellous
- marvelous
- excellent
- superior
- prime
- exceptional
- bitchin'
- choice
- adequate
- premium
- first-rate
- sufficient
- satisfactory
- acceptable
- first-class
5
as in poor
of low quality I can't do anything with these rotten tools Synonyms & Similar Words
- poor
- terrible
- bad
- cheap
- inferior
- coarse
- wretched
- worthless
- common
- miserable
- useless
- bum
- shoddy
- mediocre
- lousy
- rubbishy
- crappy
- junky
- cheapjack
- cheesy
- sleazy
- execrable
- trashy
- trumpery
- schlock
- counterfeit
- fake
- gimcrack
- shlocky
- low-grade
- low-rent
- second-rate
- shlock
- schlocky
- cut-rate
- valueless
- indifferent
- lackluster
- bargain-basement
- shabby
- tawdry
- seedy
- gaudy
- swank
- el cheapo
- meretricious
- kitschy
- showy
- garish
- kitsch
- glitzy
- tacky
- sham
- brummagem
- flashy
- ostentatious
- phony
- swanky
- splashy
- second-class
- phoney
- ultracheap
- supercheap
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- good
- fine
- excellent
- superior
- handsome
- first-rate
- elegant
- first-class
- tasteful
- top-notch
- high-grade
- polished
- refined
- handcrafted
- step grate
- step in
- step index
- step into
- step into (someone's) shoes
- step into her shoes
- step into shoes
- step into someone's shoes
- step joint
- step lively
- step on
- step on (someone's) toes
- step on it
- step on someone's toes
- step on the gas
- step on the toes of
- step on the toes of (someone)
- step on the toes of someone
- step on toes
- step out
- step out of line
- step rate
- step right up
- step rocket
- step socket