Meaning & use

festering

adjective·Academic

Becoming worse or infected over time, or, figuratively, growing more serious because it has been left unresolved.

See it in a sentence

The festering wound on his leg finally forced him to see a doctor.

Years of festering resentment between the brothers erupted at the wedding.

A note on using this word

Festering is often used figuratively for a problem, grudge, or conflict left to grow worse over time.

Words with a similar meaning

worseninginfected

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

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