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

Before reheating, check for signs of spoilage like an off odor, flavor, or discoloration. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2025

Great Value Chicken Broth was recalled by TreeHouse Foods, Inc., British Columbia, Canada, due to potential for packaging failures that could compromise the sterility of the product, resulting in spoilage. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

This recall of three pallets of product was initiated due to a potential seal issue, identified during production, that may cause spoilage of the product. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2025

Check your squash regularly for signs of spoilage and remove any affected squash immediately to avoid contaminating the others. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025

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