spoilage

noun

spoil·​age ˈspȯi-lij 

1

: the act or process of spoiling

especially : the process of decay in foodstuffs

2

: something spoiled or wasted

3

: loss by spoilage

Synonyms

• breakdown
• corruption
• decay
• decomposition
• festering
• putrefaction
• putrescence
• rot

Examples of spoilage in a Sentence

The milk should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.

in the days before refrigeration, spoilage was a constant problem

Recent Examples on the Web

An Expert Weighs In On The Controversial Trend How To Tell When Cheese Has Gone Bad Look for common indicators, such as bad smells or visual spoilage before cutting off a chunk of cheese to eat. —Molly Allen, Southern Living, 2 July 2024

Otherwise, the heat will generate steam that will create moisture build-up that can speed up spoilage. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2024

Foodborne illness also spreads in home kitchens, where cross-contamination of raw meat with other foods, unsafe storage, and food spoilage often occurs. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024

Track expiration dates in real time and receive alerts when products are near spoilage, enabling businesses to prioritize sales or donations. —Shangyan Li, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

spoilage

noun

spoil·​age ˈspȯi-lij 

: the action of spoiling or the condition of being spoiled