spotless

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "spotless" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means "absolutely clean and without any marks or stains", or "having no faults or mistakes". You can use it to describe a clean, undamaged surface such as a mirror, a room, or clothing. For example: "After the maid finished her work, the hotel room was spotless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, his end-of-year report is not spotless.

The Guardian - Opinion

The hostel was purpose-built in the 1970s and there's something of a vintage feel, especially in the shared bathrooms which, while spotless, are decidedly old-fashioned.

The Guardian - Travel

While the facility is immaculate, with a large outdoor area and spotless corridors, those sheltering here are not allowed to go outside or use mobile phones.

The Guardian

There's a spotless stainless-steel kitchen and otherwise facilities are limited.

The Guardian - Travel

Spacey takes gum from his mouth, places it with exquisite deliberation in the centre of a spotless white ashtray and eagerly hits the mark about his new movie American Beauty, co-starring Annette Bening and directed by first-timer Sam Mendes (the young English director whose work for the stage includes the recent London and New York runs of Cabaret and The Blue Room ).

The Guardian - Film

Yet somehow, Hammond and May have emerged spotless from the situation, to the point where the BBC feels that it's fine to offer them huge amounts of money to return without Clarkson.

The Guardian - Opinion

Certainly its courts are weak, its leaders' habits feudal, its journalists sometimes harassed and its human-rights record far from spotless.

The Economist

A politician capable of projecting an earnest, simple, unstinting love of a spotless and superior America is either a treacherous rabble-rouser or so out of touch that he is not qualified to govern.

The Economist

First, it has borne the brunt of the brutality as his "cartel" waged war against traitors and rivals: the Sinaloans are held responsible for more than 20,000 murders since 2006.Second, the United States does not have a spotless record when it comes to extradition.

The Economist

The school buildings are spartan, but spotless.

The Economist

Doting fathers stare at newborns dozing on crisp bedding as masked cleaners keep the corridors spotless.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spotless" to vividly describe an object or environment that is exceptionally clean, going beyond just 'clean' to suggest an almost pristine state.

Common error

Avoid using "spotless" too frequently in formal academic or business writing, as it can sometimes sound less professional than alternatives like "immaculate" or "pristine" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The word "spotless" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of exceptional cleanliness or moral purity. Ludwig AI confirms the word is correct and frequently used. Examples include describing a "spotless kitchen" or a "spotless reputation".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spotless" is a versatile adjective meaning exceptionally clean or free from blemishes, used both literally and figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's very common in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. While highly descriptive, it's essential to consider the audience when using "spotless", as more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic contexts. Some good alternatives are "immaculate", "pristine" and "flawless". Understanding its nuances and usage contexts will ensure effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immaculate

Synonym referring to perfect cleanliness and freedom from flaws.

pristine

Implies original purity and untouched condition.

flawless

Focuses on the absence of imperfections or defects.

unblemished

Specifically refers to the lack of marks or blemishes.

spick and span

Idiomatic expression emphasizing thorough cleanliness.

unsullied

Suggests purity and freedom from contamination.

perfectly clean

A more descriptive alternative, highlighting the state of cleanliness.

stainless

Emphasizes the absence of stains.

without a mark

Highlights the absence of any physical mark or imperfection.

in perfect condition

Focuses on the overall state of being undamaged and clean.

FAQs

How can I use "spotless" in a sentence?

You can use "spotless" to describe something that is perfectly clean. For example, "The kitchen was "spotless" after she finished cleaning".

What's a more formal synonym for "spotless"?

A more formal synonym for "spotless" is "immaculate". This word is often used in more professional or academic contexts.

Is it correct to say someone has a "spotless" record?

Yes, it is correct. It means they have a record free of any blemishes or wrongdoings. For example, "He has a "spotless" record and is highly respected".

What's the difference between "spotless" and "clean"?

"Clean" refers to the general state of being free from dirt or impurities. "Spotless" implies a higher degree of cleanliness, suggesting that something is perfectly clean and free from any marks or blemishes. The former is commonly used while the latter has an evocative power.