decadal

American  

[dek-uh-dl] / ˈdɛk ə dl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a decade.

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Usage

What does decadal mean? Decadal is used to describe something that involves or lasts for a decade or a period of 10 consecutive years, as in a decadal growth rate. Decadal is mostly used to describe something that lasted for 10 years, occurred over 10 years, or is concerned with a time period of 10 years. A decadal climate change survey, for example, is a survey that records 10 years of climate change data.The similar word decennial can describe something related to a decade, too, but it can also describe something that happens once every 10 years, such as the U.S. Census. Decadal is not used this way.Example: In order to have enough data, the scientists studied decadal periods of temperature change.

Other Word Forms

• decadally adverb

Etymology

Origin of decadal

First recorded in 1745–55; decade + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The research indicates that at least during one phase of Snowball Earth, the climate continued to fluctuate on yearly, decadal, and even century long timescales, with patterns resembling those seen in the modern climate system.

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2026

In November 2021, the project tied for second among new ground-based facilities in astronomers’ latest decadal survey, a periodic wish list that guides federal spending.

From Science Magazine • May 9, 2024

“It’s just the initial part of a decadal average,” she said of recent records.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2024

Hamilton was in the field for the previous decadal survey, which put MSR at the top of the to-do list.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2024

The decadal reductions, which were abolished by the Act of 1903, worked out at about 15 per cent. reduction in the annuity every ten years.

From The New Irish Constitution by Morgan, J. H.