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 of spoilage

• decomposition
• decay

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

Storing it while warm can create condensation, which can eventually lead to spoilage. —Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 2 Apr. 2026

The process is named after Louis Pasteur, the 19th century French scientist who demonstrated that heat could be used to kill microorganisms that cause disease and spoilage. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026

Brine, a mixture of water and salt, proved effective at inhibiting spoilage while enhancing the flavor of food. —Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026

The blackouts have a significant impact on the population, whose lives are disrupted by reduced work hours, lack of electricity for cooking, and food spoilage when refrigerators stop working, among many other consequences. —ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026

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