Canker

A destructive or corrosive influence or force; a source of corruption, decay, or moral degeneration. It can also refer to a plant disease that causes localized dead spots or lesions, often on stems, leaves, or bark, or to a sore or ulcer, particularly in the mouth or on the lip.

This term suggests a gradual but persistent process of deterioration, affecting health, relationships, or societal structures.

The term can also be used metaphorically to describe anything that undermines something else. .

Canker meaning with examples

• The relentless gossip and backbiting acted as a canker, slowly poisoning the morale within the office and damaging team productivity. It spread like wildfire, leading to mistrust and a toxic working environment for everyone involved in the office.
• The politician's corruption was a canker on the nation's reputation, eroding public trust in government and hindering efforts to improve social equality. It allowed illicit activity to flourish, undermining societal norms and values.
• The unaddressed financial hardship served as a canker in their relationship, slowly gnawing at the foundations of love and trust. It slowly created arguments and misunderstandings that made things unbearable
• The disease created a canker on the tree that slowly killed it from the inside out, leaving it looking weak and sickly. It required significant action in order to stop the spread of disease.
• A canker sore made it difficult for the child to eat, which led to many complications in their overall development. Doctors worked hard to resolve the issues and help them recover.