B2 adjective Neutral

compost

/ˈkɒm.pɒst/

Used as an adjective to describe materials, containers, or processes related to decayed organic matter used for fertilizing land. It identifies items specifically designated for or created from the decomposition of food and plant waste.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Please place all your vegetable scraps into the compost bucket under the sink.

Please put your leftover vegetables in the bin used for organic waste.

2

The municipality has implemented a mandatory compost collection program for all residential areas.

The city started a required program to pick up organic waste from homes.

3

I need to find some compost worms to help break down the kitchen scraps faster.

I'm looking for specific worms that eat organic waste to speed up the process.

Word Family

Noun
compost
Verb
compost
Adjective
compostable
Related
composter
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Memory Tip

Think of the 'COM-' in 'COMpost' meaning 'together' (like 'combine'). You put organic waste 'together' in a 'post' (spot) to rot.

Quick Quiz

Most modern cities provide a green ___ bin specifically for food waste and yard clippings.

Correct!

The correct answer is: compost

Examples

1

Please place all your vegetable scraps into the compost bucket under the sink.

everyday

Please put your leftover vegetables in the bin used for organic waste.

2

The municipality has implemented a mandatory compost collection program for all residential areas.

formal

The city started a required program to pick up organic waste from homes.

3

I need to find some compost worms to help break down the kitchen scraps faster.

informal

I'm looking for specific worms that eat organic waste to speed up the process.

4

The research focuses on the chemical properties of compost leachate and its effect on local groundwater.

academic

The study looks at the liquid draining from organic waste piles and its impact on water.

5

Our restaurant exclusively uses compost packaging to align with our sustainability goals.

business

Our business uses food-safe containers that can be broken down naturally to stay eco-friendly.

Word Family

Noun
compost
Verb
compost
Adjective
compostable
Related
composter

Common Collocations

compost bin a container for organic waste
compost heap a pile of decaying organic matter
compost soil dirt enriched with decomposed organic material
compost material substances suitable for breaking down into fertilizer
compost bag a biodegradable sack for organic waste

Common Phrases

compost heap

a large pile of organic matter being turned into fertilizer

compost tea

a liquid fertilizer made by steeping compost in water

compost-ready

materials that are prepared or suitable to be decomposed

Often Confused With

compost vs composite

Composite refers to something made of various distinct parts, while compost refers to decayed organic matter.

compost vs composition

Composition refers to the way parts are put together or a piece of writing, not organic fertilizer.

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Usage Notes

When used as an adjective, 'compost' usually functions as a noun adjunct (a noun acting as an adjective) to modify words like 'bin', 'pile', or 'system'. To describe a material that can be turned into compost, 'compostable' is more frequently used in technical contexts.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'composted' as a general adjective for containers, but 'compost bin' is the standard term. 'Composted' should only be used to describe the finished, decomposed material (e.g., composted manure).

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Memory Tip

Think of the 'COM-' in 'COMpost' meaning 'together' (like 'combine'). You put organic waste 'together' in a 'post' (spot) to rot.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French 'composte' meaning a mixture or compound, originating from the Latin 'compositum'.

Grammar Patterns

Used attributively before a noun Uncountable when referring to the substance Does not have comparative or superlative forms
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Cultural Context

In many Western cultures, composting has shifted from a rural farming practice to a symbol of urban environmental responsibility and 'green' living.

Quick Quiz

Most modern cities provide a green ___ bin specifically for food waste and yard clippings.

Correct!

The correct answer is: compost

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