adjective
Common
spoiled
spoyld
Spoiled (adjective) means No longer fit to eat or use; gone bad. Example: “The spoiled milk had a sour smell.”
adjective
1
No longer fit to eat or use; gone bad.
"The spoiled milk had a sour smell."
"Don't eat that spoiled chicken, because it has been in the fridge too long."
"The spoiled fruit at the bottom of the bag smelled awful."
2
Overindulged and used to getting one's own way.
"The spoiled child threw a tantrum when told no."
"Their spoiled puppy gets treats whenever it whines."
"Nobody likes a spoiled guest who complains about everything."
How to use spoiled
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGone bad (of food), or overindulged and demanding (of a person).
Common pairings
spoiled rotten
spoiled food
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more spoiled
- Superlative
- most spoiled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ milk had a sour smell.
Related words
Rhymes for spoiled
See all rhymes for spoiled →Frequently asked questions
What does “spoiled” mean?
The word “spoiled” means no longer fit to eat or use; gone bad. In plain terms, gone bad (of food), or overindulged and demanding (of a person).
How do you pronounce “spoiled”?
“Spoiled” is pronounced spoyld (/spɔɪld/ in IPA).
How do you use “spoiled” in a sentence?
Here is “spoiled” used in a sentence: “The spoiled milk had a sour smell.”
What part of speech is “spoiled”?
“Spoiled” is an adjective.
Is “spoiled” a common word?
“Spoiled” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “spoiled” have?
“Spoiled” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: no longer fit to eat or use; gone bad.
What is the difference between "spoiled" and "spoilt"?
"Spoiled" and "spoilt" are both past tense and past participle forms of the verb "spoil," with the same meanings. "Spoiled" is more common in American English, while "spoilt" is more typical in British English. Both can describe food gone bad or a person who has been overindulged.
Is calling someone "spoiled" an insult?
Describing someone as "spoiled" is generally negative, implying they are overindulged and used to getting their own way, often to the point of poor behaviour. It is commonly used informally to criticize entitled or ungrateful attitudes, especially in children. The tone can range from mild teasing to a genuine insult depending on context.
How can you tell if food has "spoiled"?
Food is generally considered spoiled when it is no longer fit to eat, often shown by an off smell, unusual texture, or change in colour. FreeDict does not provide food-safety guidance beyond the word's meaning. The adjective simply describes food that has gone bad rather than specifying how to detect it.
