biodegrade: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, technical, environmental
Quick answer
What does “biodegrade” mean?
To be decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To be decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
To break down and be assimilated back into the natural environment through biological processes, typically referring to organic matter or certain synthetic materials designed for this purpose.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Same strong environmental connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties due to its technical/scientific nature.
Grammar
How to Use “biodegrade” in a Sentence
S (intransitive): The packaging will biodegrade in six months.S + PP (intransitive + prepositional phrase): Cornstarch cutlery biodegrades into harmless compounds.S VO (transitive, less common): The new enzyme can biodegrade certain plastics.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “biodegrade” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This new polythene bag is designed to biodegrade within a year.
- Food waste should biodegrade quite quickly in a proper compost heap.
American English
- The company claims its coffee pods will biodegrade in an industrial composter.
- Not all plastics will biodegrade under normal environmental conditions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing and product development to describe environmentally friendly materials.
Academic
Used in environmental science, biology, and materials engineering research papers.
Everyday
Used when discussing waste, recycling, and eco-friendly products.
Technical
Precise term in waste management, chemistry, and sustainable design specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “biodegrade”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “biodegrade”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “biodegrade”
- Incorrect: 'The bottle is biodegrade.' Correct: 'The bottle will biodegrade / is biodegradable.'
- Confusing 'biodegrade' (verb, the process) with 'biodegradable' (adjective, the property).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Dissolve' means to mix with a liquid and disappear (e.g., sugar in water). 'Biodegrade' means to be broken down by living organisms like bacteria.
No. The correct adjective form is 'biodegradable'. 'Biodegrade' is a verb.
No. The rate depends on conditions (moisture, oxygen, temperature). Something may be biodegradable but take years to break down in a cold, dry landfill.
'Compost' is a specific, managed process of biodegradation that produces a useful soil amendment. 'Biodegrade' is the general natural process, which can happen in compost, soil, water, or landfills.
To be decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
Biodegrade is usually formal, technical, environmental in register.
Biodegrade: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.əʊ.dɪˈɡreɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.dəˈɡreɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific verb]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BIO (life) + DEGRADE (break down) = broken down by living things.
Conceptual Metaphor
RETURN TO THE EARTH (A process of materials reverting to a natural, elemental state through biological action).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST example of something designed to biodegrade?