What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
moulder
Example
The old books in the library began to moulder due to the lack of proper storage. [moulder: verb]
Example
The abandoned house was left to moulder away over the years. [moulder: phrasal verb]
disintegrate
Example
The old bridge began to disintegrate after years of wear and tear. [disintegrate: verb]
Example
The company's finances began to disintegrate after the CEO resigned. [disintegrate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disintegrate is more commonly used than moulder in everyday language. Disintegrate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while moulder is less common and refers to a specific type of decay or decomposition.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between moulder and disintegrate?
Both moulder and disintegrate are formal words that are appropriate for academic or technical writing. However, disintegrate may have a stronger negative connotation and is more likely to be used in dramatic or catastrophic situations.