English Reference

Word

contaminated

Phoneticscon·tam·i·nat·ed

US/kənˈtæməˌneɪtɪd/

UK/kəntˈæmɪnˌeɪtɪd/

Definition

adj. dirty or dangerous because of chemicals, bacteria, or other harmful things.

adj. rendered impure, harmful, or unusable by the introduction of undesirable or toxic elements.

Examples

“The local well water is contaminated and unsafe to drink.”

“Health officials warned that the spinach might be contaminated with bacteria and should be returned to the store immediately.”

“The forensic team worried that the evidence had been contaminated by the first responders, potentially making the DNA results inadmissible during the upcoming trial.”

Examples

simple

“The local well water is contaminated and unsafe to drink.”

contextual

“Health officials warned that the spinach might be contaminated with bacteria and should be returned to the store immediately.”

complex

“The forensic team worried that the evidence had been contaminated by the first responders, potentially making the DNA results inadmissible during the upcoming trial.”

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'with' to identify the source of pollution.

Real-World Examples

“A group of 28 defence bases across Australia had been affected by use of the chemicals, the government said in May, requiring contaminated soil to be removed and treated.”
The Guardian · 17 Aug 2026
“The cause was initially suspected to be strawberries grown in California, but later it was determined it was more likely due to imported contaminated raspberries from Guatemala .”
The Conversation · 10 Aug 2026

Synonyms

Antonyms

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

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