Word
blemish
Phoneticsblem·ish, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɫɛmɪʃ/
UK/blˈɛmɪʃ/
Definitions
01a physical mark
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a small mark, spot, or flaw that makes something look less perfect.
n. a localized physical flaw or imperfection that detracts from the aesthetic appearance of a surface or object.
“The apple was perfect except for one small brown blemish on its skin.”
“The quality control team rejected any smartphone casing that showed even a microscopic blemish or scratch on the polished finish.”
Synonyms
02a moral flaw
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a mistake or bad quality that spoils someone's reputation or character.
n. a figurative defect or moral failing that tarnishes an otherwise positive reputation or record.
“The scandal was the only blemish on the politician's long and successful career.”
“Until the recent allegations surfaced, his professional record had been without blemish, earning him the trust of the entire board.”
03to spoil something
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to spoil the appearance or quality of something.
v. to mar or despoil the physical appearance or figurative integrity of something. Transitive — requires a direct object.
“A series of small errors began to blemish the company's reputation for excellence.”
“The architect argued that adding a modern glass wing would blemish the historical integrity of the eighteenth-century manor.”
Real-World Examples
“Mikel Arteta’s side have started this season better this time around, winning 12 points from a possible 15, with their only blemish the shock 3-0 loss at Brighton.” “In years of poor harvest, the cosmetic standards are relaxed, and the farmers are asked to bag up the ever-so-slightly bendy or blemished produce that would normally be rejected.” Etymology
From Middle English blemisshen, blemissen, from Old French blemiss-, stem of Old French blemir, blesmir (“make pale, injure, wound, bruise”) (French blêmir), from Old Frankish blesmijan, blasmijan (“to make pale”), from Old Frankish blasmī (“pale”), from Proto-Germanic blasaz (“white, pale”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰel- (“to shine”). Cognate with Dutch bles (“white spot”), German blass (“pale”), Old English āblered (“bare, uncovered, bald, shaven”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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