spoilt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Mid-FrequencyInformal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “spoilt” mean?
(adj.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(adj.) Having been harmed or damaged in character, quality, or function; (verb) past tense and past participle of 'spoil'.
Often describes a person, especially a child, whose character has been negatively affected by excessive indulgence, leading to selfish or demanding behavior. Can also refer to something made less good or enjoyable, or to food that has decayed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'spoilt' is common, particularly as an adjective (e.g., a spoilt child). 'Spoiled' is also used. In American English, 'spoiled' is the standard form for all uses; 'spoilt' is rare and may be perceived as a Britishism.
Connotations
When describing a person, carries a strong negative connotation of unpleasant, entitled behavior resulting from overindulgence. When describing events or things, it is more neutral (e.g., spoilt plans).
Frequency
'Spoilt' is moderately frequent in UK English. Its use in US English is very low and often limited to fixed phrases or stylistic choice.
Grammar
How to Use “spoilt” in a Sentence
[Subject] spoilt [Object] (e.g., The rain spoilt the picnic).[Subject] is/was spoilt by [Agent] (e.g., He was spoilt by his grandparents).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spoilt” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The downpour spoilt our garden party completely.
- He always spoilt his little sister with gifts.
American English
- The storm spoiled our outdoor concert.
- She spoiled the ending of the film for me.
adjective
British English
- That spoilt boy never shares his toys.
- We're spoilt for choice with these dessert options.
American English
- That spoiled kid throws tantrums in stores.
- The spoiled milk had to be thrown out.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The market was spoilt by aggressive discounting.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing. More likely in social sciences discussing child development.
Everyday
Common, especially to describe children's behavior or events that went wrong.
Technical
Used in contexts like food science (spoilt food) or electoral processes (spoilt ballot).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spoilt”
- Using 'spoiled' in contexts where BrE strongly prefers 'spoilt' (e.g., 'He's a spoiled child' is fine in AmE but less idiomatic in BrE).
- Overusing 'spoilt' in American English, where it sounds unnatural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a correct and common form in British English, particularly as an adjective. In American English, 'spoiled' is standard.
In meaning, very little. 'Spoilt' is a variant past participle and adjective, strongly associated with British usage. 'Spoiled' is the regular form and is used universally in American English and commonly in British English.
Yes, especially in British English (e.g., 'spoilt milk'). However, 'rotten', 'off', or 'sour' are often more specific synonyms for food.
It means having so many good options to choose from that it becomes difficult to decide. It is primarily a British English idiom.
(adj.
Spoilt is usually informal to neutral in register.
Spoilt: in British English it is pronounced /spɔɪlt/, and in American English it is pronounced /spɔɪlt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “spoilt for choice (BrE)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of milk that's been left out: it becomes SOUR and SPOILT. A child given everything can become SOUR in temperament.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPOILT IS DAMAGED GOODS (a person or thing that has lost its original, desirable quality).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'spoilt' MOST commonly used as the standard adjective?