Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

rotten-egg

noun

/ˈrɒtən ɛɡ/

Definition

A term used to describe something that is spoiled or decayed, but can also refer to a person who is considered undesirable or unpleasant.

Examples

The picnic was ruined because one of the sandwiches had a rotten-egg smell.
They decided to avoid him after discovering that he was the rotten egg in the group.
She opened the carton to find a few rotten eggs at the bottom.

Meaning

The phrase ‘rotten egg’ often signifies something that has gone bad, whether it’s an actual egg or a metaphorical situation. It can imply failure or a negative trait in a person or thing.