der Verfall
Translation
decay, decline, expiration, ruin
Examples
Der Verfall des alten Gebäudes ist offensichtlich.
The decay of the old building is obvious.
Wir beobachten den Verfall der traditionellen Werte.
We are observing the decline of traditional values.
Achten Sie auf den Verfall des Haltbarkeitsdatums.
Pay attention to the expiration of the best-before date.
Grammar Patterns
the decay/decline of ((sth.gen)) the decline of sth. The decay of the Roman Empire was a long process.
Similar Words
Synonyms: decline, decay; Antonyms: rise, prosperity
Etymology
From the prefix 'ver-' (indicating a process, often negative) and 'Fall' (fall). Literally 'a falling away' or 'falling into ruin'.
Memory Tips
Think of something 'falling' into a worse state. The 'ver-' prefix often has a negative or 'away' meaning.