spoiled

word · lemma: spoil

/ˈspɔɪɫd/
spoyld
/spˈɔɪld/
spoyld

Definition

If a person is spoiled, they are used to getting everything they want and may behave badly because of it. If food or another item is spoiled, it has gone bad and is no longer good to use or eat.

Usage & Nuances

For people, 'spoiled' is negative and often used for children: 'a spoiled kid'. For food, it commonly appears in 'spoiled milk' or 'the meat spoiled'. Don't confuse it with 'rotten': 'rotten' is stronger and more specific to decay, while 'spoiled' can also describe a person's character.

Example Sentences

That child is very spoiled.

basic

The milk is spoiled.

basic

He became spoiled after getting everything he wanted.

basic

Don't eat that yogurt—it's probably spoiled.

natural

She's not rude, just a little spoiled.

natural

The hot weather spoiled the fruit before we could sell it.

natural