Rikkunud

Rikkunud is an Estonian word that functions as an adjective or past participle derived from the verb rikkuma, meaning to break, damage, or spoil. It denotes that something has been damaged, spoiled, or ruined. The sense extends from physical harm to more abstract forms of spoilage, such as a corrupted file or a plan that has failed.

Usage in Estonian is primarily attributive, where rikkunud describes a noun and indicates its state after damage or spoilage. Examples include phrases like rikkunud seade (damaged device) and rikkunud toit (spoiled food). In consumer and technical writing, the term commonly marks items that are not functioning properly or have sustained damage. It can also describe systems, processes, or plans that no longer work as intended, for instance rikkunud süsteem (faulty system).

Etymology and form: rikkunud is the past participle form of the verb rikkuma. The root rikk- carries the sense of harm or damage, while the participial suffix -nu- yields a descriptor of state. This form is used across different registers, from everyday language to official documentation.

Related terms: The noun rikkumine refers to the act or state of breaking, violating, or damaging, serving as a nominal counterpart to the verb and participle. While closely connected, rikkumine is more often used for acts of wrongdoing or violations, whereas rikkunud centers on the state of damage or spoilage of objects or systems.

In summary, rikkunud is a versatile Estonian descriptor for things that have been damaged, spoiled, or degraded, used widely in practical, technical, and formal contexts.