fouled
adj. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfaʊɫd// UK //fˈaʊld// fouled
adj. dirty or blocked by something unpleasant. You use this to describe water that is not clean or a pipe that is stuck.
adj. contaminated, polluted, or physically obstructed. Often refers to machinery or natural environments that have become clogged or soiled.
The boat's engine stopped because the propeller was fouled with seaweed.
The local river became fouled by industrial waste, making it unsafe for swimming or fishing.
Engineers discovered that the cooling system had been fouled by mineral deposits, which significantly reduced the plant's overall efficiency during the summer months.
Usage
Often used as a participial adjective following 'become' or 'get'.