Word
spoiling
Phoneticsspoil·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈspɔɪɫɪŋ/
UK/spˈɔɪlɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of giving someone, especially a child, everything they want so that they become selfish. It can also mean the process of food going bad and becoming unsafe to eat.
n. the process of damaging the character or disposition of a person through excessive indulgence; alternatively, the decay of organic matter such as food.
Examples
“The spoiling of the child led to many behavioral problems later.”
“Proper refrigeration is essential to prevent the spoiling of dairy products during the summer months.”
“Sociologists argue that the constant spoiling of the younger generation with instant digital gratification may hinder their ability to develop long-term patience and resilience in the face of professional setbacks.”
Examples
simple
“The spoiling of the child led to many behavioral problems later.”
contextual
“Proper refrigeration is essential to prevent the spoiling of dairy products during the summer months.”
complex
“Sociologists argue that the constant spoiling of the younger generation with instant digital gratification may hinder their ability to develop long-term patience and resilience in the face of professional setbacks.”
Usage
Typically functions as a gerund noun; often followed by the preposition 'of'.
Real-World Examples
“I loved this when I was a teenager and maybe I would love it again, but I don’t want to run the risk of spoiling my good memories.” “To keep it from spoiling during the hot summer months, they formed the flour into dumplings, cooled them in spring water and served them with syrup.” “Without spoiling anything, they also brought us back to that fateful vet’s office.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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