Word
spotless
Phoneticsspot·less, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈspɑtɫəs/
UK/spˈɒtləs/
Definition
adj. perfectly clean and without any marks or dirt. You can use it to describe a room, a piece of clothing, or even someone's reputation.
adj. completely clean and free from dirt, stains, or impurities. Often used figuratively to describe a reputation or record that is beyond reproach.
Examples
“The kitchen was spotless after we finished cleaning.”
“She spent the entire morning scrubbing the floors until they were absolutely spotless for the guests.”
“Despite the intense scrutiny of the investigation, his professional record remained spotless, proving that the allegations of misconduct were entirely unfounded.”
Examples
simple
“The kitchen was spotless after we finished cleaning.”
contextual
“She spent the entire morning scrubbing the floors until they were absolutely spotless for the guests.”
complex
“Despite the intense scrutiny of the investigation, his professional record remained spotless, proving that the allegations of misconduct were entirely unfounded.”
Usage
Typically used as a gradable adjective, though it often functions as an absolute (meaning 'perfectly clean').
Real-World Examples
“But when our operations team went into Caleb’s room, it was empty, absolutely spotless and he had left flowers and a card.” Etymology
From Middle English spotles, equivalent to spot + -less.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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 C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/spotless