Word
tainted
Phoneticstaint·ed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈteɪntɪd/
UK/tˈeɪntɪd/
Definitions
01physically contaminated
C1 · Advanced Science Formal
adj. spoiled or made dangerous by dirt, chemicals, or bacteria.
adj. contaminated or rendered impure by the presence of a harmful or undesirable substance.
“The town warned residents not to drink the water from the tainted well.”
“Health inspectors ordered the immediate destruction of the tainted meat shipments to prevent a widespread outbreak of foodborne illness.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02morally or legally corrupted
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. damaged in reputation or quality because of something dishonest or illegal.
adj. damaged or corrupted by association with something unethical, illegal, or undesirable.
“The politician struggled to win the election because of his tainted reputation.”
“The court ruled that the evidence was tainted by illegal search procedures and could not be used during the trial.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Could the bullhead's habitat have been tainted by pollutants stirred up during the hurricane?” “But the house is tainted by memories of her alcoholic father, whose conditioning has shaped her in ways she can’t escape.” Etymology
From taint + -ed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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