spoilt

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "spoilt" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been damaged, or made worse, usually because it has been neglected or overindulged. For example: "The books had been spoilt by water damage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Being spoilt by success is better than being spoilt by failure: just ask any British Conservative.

The Economist

In the world as he presents it, prison affords him a sense of power that he hasn't felt since he was the free and spoilt son of a beloved mother.

The Guardian

Ben, the youngest child of eight, had grown up spoilt by his mother, who died when he was nine.

The Guardian

And they have spoilt that lovely old word, wonga.

The Guardian - Opinion

That generation who survived the second world war or its subsequent austerity and consider us a load of spoilt emoters.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It maybe stems from the Highland League days – we don't have spoilt players here.

The Guardian - Sport

Some felt it was the most likable she had ever been while others believed it to be evidence that she was nothing but a spoilt brat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sorry if that spoilt things for you.

The Guardian - Film

The Chinese official had clearly never longed to dive in warm, clear waters, exploring a reef full of exotic fish, or had thought of living for a week or two like a spoilt Robinson Crusoe among the palm trees in a small island.

The Economist

This was probably meant to press the election commission and the courts into excluding spoilt ballots from the count.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Trying to prepare their once-spoilt citizens for the real world, governments are spending freely on education: the Saudis allocated $11.2 billion to education in their 1997 budget, compared with $7.3 billion the year before.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food, be specific about the way it is "spoilt". For instance, mention if it's "spoilt" due to mold, bacteria, or simply being past its expiration date. This adds clarity and impact to your description.

Common error

While both "spoilt" and "spoiled" are past participles of "spoil", remember that "spoilt" is more common in British English, while "spoiled" is preferred in American English. Choose the form consistent with your target audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "spoilt" is as an adjective, describing a noun. It indicates either a state of being damaged or ruined, or the characteristic of being excessively pampered or indulged. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically sound and regularly employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spoilt" is a versatile term primarily functioning as an adjective. It's commonly used in British English to describe something damaged or someone excessively indulged. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "damaged", "ruined", and "pampered" offer similar meanings, the specific nuance depends on the context. When writing, be mindful of your target audience's regional dialect to choose between "spoilt" and "spoiled" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

damaged

Focuses on the physical harm or impairment.

corrupted

Implies moral decay or impurity.

ruined

Suggests complete destruction or irreversible damage.

decayed

Emphasizes a gradual decline in quality or condition.

gone bad

Specifically refers to food or perishable items that are no longer usable.

overindulged

Highlights excessive pampering or gratification, leading to negative consequences.

pampered

Focuses on being treated with excessive care and attention.

coddled

Implies excessive protection and shielding from difficulties.

rotten

Indicates a state of decomposition or moral depravity.

harmed

Refers to injury or damage inflicted on something or someone.

FAQs

How do I use "spoilt" in a sentence?

"Spoilt" can be used to describe something that is damaged or has deteriorated, such as "The milk was spoilt". It can also describe someone who has been excessively indulged, such as "He's a spoilt child".

Is "spoilt" the same as "spoiled"?

Both "spoilt" and "spoiled" are past participles of the verb "spoil". "Spoilt" is more commonly used in British English, while "spoiled" is more common in American English.

What are some synonyms for "spoilt"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "spoilt" include "damaged", "ruined", "rotten", "overindulged", and "pampered".

Which is correct, "spoilt" or "spoiled"?

Both "spoilt" and "spoiled" are correct. The choice depends on the regional dialect: "spoilt" is preferred in British English, while "spoiled" is preferred in American English.