ichidan verb, intransitive verb
rot away; crumble to dust; decay completely; fall to ruins; rust away
Describes physical decay of objects, structures, or organic matter until nothing useful remains. Often implies a long process and a final, ruined state.
古い木の橋はすっかり朽ち果てていた。
The old wooden bridge had completely rotted away.
放置された車が錆
The abandoned car is rusting away.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
die in obscurity; fade into oblivion
Metaphorical use: a person's talents or life ending without recognition, or something being forgotten. Often used with a sense of waste or regret.
彼は才能がありながら、田舎で朽ち果ててしまった。
Though he had talent, he ended up dying in obscurity in the countryside.