# blemish

/ˈbɫɛmɪʃ/ (US) · /blˈɛmɪʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/blemish
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a physical mark

noun · CEFR B2

a small mark, spot, or flaw that makes something look less perfect.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a moral flaw

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a mistake or bad quality that spoils someone's reputation or character.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to spoil something

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to spoil the appearance or quality of something.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- A small blemish on the skin is nothing to worry about.
- The report was nearly perfect, but a small blemish in the data entry made the final grade slightly lower.
- While the diamond was flawless in every other way, a tiny blemish on the surface prevented it from being classified as a 'flawless' stone by the grading committee.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.