What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disintegrate
Example
The old building began to disintegrate due to years of neglect. [disintegrate: verb]
Example
The rock was so brittle that it started to disintegrate as soon as I touched it. [disintegrating: present participle]
decay
Example
The fruit started to decay after being left out in the sun for too long. [decay: verb]
Example
The old house showed signs of decay, with peeling paint and creaky floorboards. [decay: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decay is more commonly used than disintegrate in everyday language. Decay is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while disintegrate is less common and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disintegrate and decay?
Both disintegrate and decay are formal words that are appropriate for academic or technical writing. However, disintegrate may be perceived as more technical or specialized than decay due to its emphasis on physical breakdown and forceful cause.
