English Reference
adjective

spoiled

adj.
US /ˈspɔɪɫd/ UK /spˈɔɪld/ spoiled

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    describes food that is no longer fresh or safe to eat.

    referring to food or organic matter that has decayed or fermented to the point of being inedible.

    Simple

    The milk smelled sour, so I knew it was spoiled and threw it away.

    In context

    The health inspector noted several crates of spoiled produce in the basement, citing the restaurant for improper refrigeration standards.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    describes someone, especially a child, who behaves badly because they are given too many things or too much attention.

    exhibiting a demanding or selfish character as a result of excessive indulgence by parents or guardians.

    Simple

    The spoiled child screamed in the shop because his mother wouldn't buy him another toy.

    In context

    Critics argued that the protagonist was a spoiled heir whose lack of hardship made it difficult for the audience to sympathise with his minor problems.

Nobody likes to have the full plot of a movie spoiled before they’ve even seen it.

The Guardian· 27 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated