blemish

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "blemish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical mark, flaw, or imperfection on the surface of something. For example, "The painting had a few small blemishes, but nothing majorly noticeable".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Alas, any hope that the GQ debacle may have quashed the glossies' inexhaustible urge to manipulate women's bodies was scuppered by Vogue's cover of Winslet in 2013 – a masterful feat of digital Polyfilla that pasted over every laughter line, shadow or blemish that made her an actual human being.

The Guardian - Arts

How much it costs her to keep up appearances is suggested by the tiniest of details, the strap of her slip that has fallen off her shoulder, the one blemish on the otherwise impeccable façade she presents to the world.

The Economist

Corruption remains a blemish, but there is no sign of the government trying to overturn Turkey's secular order.

The Economist

Selling without a profit might be something of a blemish on his record as a raider.

The Economist

Both of them are formidable businesses, and both offer object lessons in perhaps the most important art in modern economies: managing knowledge workers.Neither firm is without blemish.

The Economist

Even so, the fact that it is still open counts as a black mark against him and a continuing blemish on the global reputation of the United States.But here's a question.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

A similar share of those who had never been arrested retained blemish-free records.YIPs' success has led to a similar project for younger children.

The Economist

The corollary is that, had the election been blemish-free, Mr Karzai would not have crossed the threshold of 50% of votes needed to win without a second round.

The Economist

The man who touts the importance of allies in foreign policy seems remarkably uninterested in multilateral efforts for freer trade.Whoever wins in November, America will not retreat into serious protectionism, nor will it pursue a blemish-free trade policy.

The Economist

£15, Dr Hauschka, 01386 792 642 Blemishes No More Cleansing Pads Celebrity dermatologist Dr Frederic Brandt created this range for blemish-prone skin without the need for prescription – Madonna is a client of his.

Independent

£4, The Body Shop, thebodyshop.com Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam The first part of Clinique's 3-step anti-blemish system helps to prevent the build-up of dirt on the skin's surface.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "blemish", consider whether a more specific term might be more appropriate, such as "flaw", "defect", or "stain", depending on the context. This can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "blemish" excessively in highly formal or technical writing. In such contexts, opt for more precise and professional terms like "imperfection" or "defect" to maintain a consistent tone of sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The word "blemish" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a flaw or imperfection that mars the appearance of something. It can also function as a verb, meaning to spoil or mar the appearance of something. Ludwig shows examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Unknown/unmatched sources

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "blemish" is a versatile term used to describe imperfections, whether physical or abstract. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. The analysis shows that "blemish" functions primarily as a noun, but can also be a verb, serving to identify and describe flaws. It maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. The term appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. For greater precision, consider using synonyms like "flaw", "defect", or "imperfection" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imperfection

Replaces "blemish" with a more general term for any kind of flaw.

flaw

Substitutes "blemish" with a concise word indicating a defect.

defect

Replaces "blemish" with a term emphasizing a lack of perfection.

mark

Substitutes "blemish" with a general term for something that stands out from a surface.

stain

Replaces "blemish" by something that soils or discolors.

deficiency

Replaces "blemish" by an absence of something necessary for completeness.

shortcoming

Replaces "blemish" by a failure to meet a particular standard.

weakness

Replaces "blemish" by a lack of strength, efficacy, or ability to withstand stress.

taint

Substitutes "blemish" with a corrupting influence or effect.

disfigurement

Replaces "blemish" with a term emphasizing damage to appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "blemish" in a sentence?

You can use "blemish" to describe a minor imperfection. For example: "The only "blemish" on his record was a minor traffic violation." or "The vase had a small "blemish" on its surface."

What words can I use instead of "blemish"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "flaw", "defect", "imperfection", or "stain" to replace "blemish".

Is it correct to use "blemish" to describe a moral failing?

Yes, "blemish" can be used to describe a moral failing or character flaw. For instance, you might say, "His dishonesty was a "blemish" on his reputation".

What is the difference between "blemish" and "scar"?

"Blemish" typically refers to a minor imperfection that may be temporary or superficial. A "scar", on the other hand, is a permanent mark resulting from a healed wound or injury. A "blemish" is usually less severe and doesn't necessarily imply damage.