decomposition Play nounThe state or process of rotting; decay. SYNONYMS analysisatomizationbreak upbreakdownbreaking apartbreaking downbreaking upcorruptioncrumblingdecaydecayingdisintegrationdissectiondissolutiondissolvingdivisionfesteringfractionationfragmentinggoing badperishingputrefactionputrescenceputridityreductionresolutionrottingseparationspoilage