# spoiled

/ˈspɔɪɫd/ (US) · /spˈɔɪld/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spoiled
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. food gone bad

adjective · CEFR B1

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

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

- The milk smelled sour, so I knew it was spoiled and threw it away.
- The health inspector noted several crates of spoiled produce in the basement, citing the restaurant for improper refrigeration standards.

### 2. a person who gets everything

adjective · CEFR B1

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

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

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

## Examples

- The spoiled child cried when he didn't get the toy.
- The milk smelled sour and had clearly spoiled after being left on the counter overnight in the heat.
- Critics argued that the protagonist was too spoiled to be sympathetic, as his constant demands for luxury alienated the audience from his emotional journey.

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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.