adj

biodegradable

beye-oh-duh-GRAY-duhbl

Biodegradable (adj) means Capable of breaking down naturally through the action of bacteria or other living organisms. Example: “The company switched to biodegradable packaging last year.”

adj

Capable of breaking down naturally through the action of bacteria or other living organisms.

"The company switched to biodegradable packaging last year."

"Food waste is biodegradable, but plastic largely isn't."

How to use biodegradable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that rots away naturally instead of sitting around forever.

Common pairings

biodegradable material biodegradable packaging fully biodegradable

Word forms

more biodegradable comparative, biodegradables plural, most biodegradable superlative

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The company switched to _____ packaging last year.

Etymology

From "bio-" (life) plus "degradable," meaning capable of being broken down.

Rhymes for biodegradable

able fable cable table viable liable stable tenable parable affable amiable notable

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Frequently asked questions

What does “biodegradable” mean?

The word “biodegradable” means capable of breaking down naturally through the action of bacteria or other living organisms. In plain terms, something that rots away naturally instead of sitting around forever.

How do you pronounce “biodegradable”?

“Biodegradable” is pronounced beye-oh-duh-GRAY-duhbl (/(ˌ)baɪoʊdəˈɡɹeɪdəbl̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “biodegradable” in a sentence?

Here is “biodegradable” used in a sentence: “The company switched to biodegradable packaging last year.”

What part of speech is “biodegradable”?

“Biodegradable” is an adjective.

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Vocabulary lists that include biodegradable:

Words with the root "bio-"