Decay (noun)

The process of decaying or the state of having decayed.

Origin:

Middle english: from old french desdeche, based on latin decrescere "decrease", from de- "away" + crescere "grow".

Examples:

1. The decay of the old building was evident.
2. The decay of the fruit was hastened by the warm weather.
3. The decay of the city was caused by neglect.
4. The decay of the bridge was a danger to traffic.
5. The decay of the forest was due to clear cutting.