rotting

/ˈrɑtɪŋ/
adjective
  1. Undergoing decay or decomposition.
    • The smell of rotting fish filled the air near the dock.
    • We had to throw away the rotting vegetables from the back of the fridge.
    • The rotting leaves on the forest floor created a rich layer of soil.
noun
  1. The process of decaying or decomposing.
    • The rotting of the wooden ship's hull made it unsafe to sail.
    • The rotting of the old fence was accelerated by the constant rain.
    • Proper composting relies on the slow rotting of organic waste.