VocabDictionary

spoiled

/spɔɪld/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Having the character or behavior of a person, especially a child, who has been treated with excessive indulgence and lacks discipline.

Example Sentences:
  • The spoiled child threw a tantrum when he didn't get the toy he wanted.
  • She grew up as a spoiled brat who expected everyone to cater to her every whim.
2.adjective

Of food or other perishable items, having decayed or become unfit for consumption.

Example Sentences:
  • We had to throw out the spoiled milk before it made anyone sick.
  • The heat caused the fruit to become spoiled within just a few days.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “spoiled”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'spoilen', which comes from the Old French 'espoillier', ultimately from the Latin 'spoliare' (to strip, plunder, or despoil). Originally referring to the act of stripping someone of their possessions or clothing, the meaning evolved to describe the process of something being rendered useless or decayed, and later, the behavioral corruption of a person through excessive indulgence.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'spoiled' child who has been 'oiled' with too many gifts, making them slide into bad behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions About “spoiled

1. What is the meaning of “spoiled” in English?

In English, spoiled (adjective) is defined as: “Having the character or behavior of a person, especially a child, who has been treated with excessive indulgence and lacks discipline.”.

2. How do you use “spoiled” in a sentence?

The spoiled child threw a tantrum when he didn't get the toy he wanted.

3. What are English synonyms of “spoiled”?

Common synonyms include:pampered,rotten,coddled,decayed,indulged

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “spoiled”?

Derived from the Middle English 'spoilen', which comes from the Old French 'espoillier', ultimately from the Latin 'spoliare' (to strip, plunder, or despoil). Originally referring to the act of stripping someone of their possessions or clothing, the meaning evolved to describe the process of something being rendered useless or decayed, and later, the behavioral corruption of a person through excessive indulgence.