B2verb 1K

Spoil

🇬🇧 UK /["/spɔɪl/","/spɔɪlz/","/spɔɪld/","/spɔɪlt/","/ˈspɔɪlɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/spɔɪl/","/spɔɪlz/","/spɔɪld/","/spɔɪlt/","/ˈspɔɪlɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Spoil

to change something good into something bad, unpleasant, etc.

In simple words: to make something bad or to ruin it

Spoil in a sentence

• If you leave the milk out too long, it will spoil and become unsafe to drink.
• The rain could spoil our plans for a picnic this weekend.
• Too much sunlight can spoil the colors of a painting over time.
• Parents sometimes spoil their children by giving them everything they ask for.
• You should not spoil your appetite before dinner by eating too many snacks.
• The surprise party was spoiled when someone accidentally told him in advance.

How to use Spoil

Use 'spoil' when something is ruined or made worse. It can refer to food going bad or experiences being ruined. Avoid in very formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

spoil + object

Memory hint

Think of 'spoil' as in a 'spoiled child' who can't be happy unless they get their way.

Related words

Collocations with Spoil

• completely
• quite
• rather
• hate to
• not be going to
• not want to
• with
• be completely spoiled
• be thoroughly spoiled
• be utterly spoiled

Synonyms for Spoil

• overindulge
• go off (6)

Opposites of Spoil

• preserve
• maintain
• cherish

Common mistakes with Spoil

• Using 'spoil' with an incorrect preposition, like 'spoil for someone' instead of 'spoil something for someone'.
• Confusing 'spoil' with 'spolt'— 'spolt' is not a word.
• Misunderstanding the difference between 'spoil' and 'spoilage', which refers specifically to food.

Frequently asked questions about Spoil

What does Spoil mean?

to make something bad or to ruin it

What is the definition of Spoil?

to change something good into something bad, unpleasant, etc.

How do you use Spoil in a sentence?

If you leave the milk out too long, it will spoil and become unsafe to drink.

Can you give another example of Spoil?

The rain could spoil our plans for a picnic this weekend.

What are synonyms for Spoil?

Common alternatives include overindulge, go off (6).

What is the opposite of Spoil?

Opposite meanings include preserve, maintain, cherish.

What words go with Spoil?

It commonly pairs with completely, quite, rather, hate to, not be going to, not want to, with, be completely spoiled, be thoroughly spoiled, be utterly spoiled.

What are common mistakes when using Spoil?

Using 'spoil' with an incorrect preposition, like 'spoil for someone' instead of 'spoil something for someone'. Confusing 'spoil' with 'spolt'— 'spolt' is not a word. Misunderstanding the difference between 'spoil' and 'spoilage', which refers specifically to food.

How do you pronounce Spoil?

US: /["/spɔɪl/","/spɔɪlz/","/spɔɪld/","/spɔɪlt/","/ˈspɔɪlɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/spɔɪl/","/spɔɪlz/","/spɔɪld/","/spɔɪlt/","/ˈspɔɪlɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Spoil?

Use 'spoil' when something is ruined or made worse. It can refer to food going bad or experiences being ruined. Avoid in very formal contexts.

What CEFR level is Spoil?

"Spoil" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.