contaminated

adjective

con·​tam·​i·​nat·​ed kən-ˈta-mə-ˌnā-təd 

1

: soiled, stained, corrupted, or infected by contact or association

a contaminated wound

Urine and feces of infected cats and contaminated clothing, bedding, food bowls or toys are also possible modes of transmission.

—Cat Fancy

2

: made unfit for use by the introduction of unwholesome or undesirable elements

Botulinum toxin is a highly lethal substance which causes death … when contaminated food is improperly canned or stored.

—John Laffin

… the material could be used as a filter for cleaning contaminated drinking water.

—Alexandra Goho

Synonyms of contaminated

• polluted
• thinned
• diluted
• dilute
• tainted

Examples of contaminated in a Sentence

the hospitals had no choice but to throw out the contaminated blood supply

Recent Examples on the Web

On contaminated land that is too dangerous for human life, the world’s wildest horses roam free. —ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026

Third place went to Georgia GroundBreak Hers from Mundy's Mill Middle School, a team working to restore contaminated soil using mineral-rich materials, composting and vegetation. —Jamal Goss, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026

Jovanni periodically while Daniels followed instructions on cleaning, handwashing and keeping Jovanni away from contaminated dirt. —Chris Bowling, ProPublica, 15 Apr. 2026

People most at risk of health issues from PFAS include young children, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those who live in contaminated areas, or people — like firefighters or chemical manufacturers — who are exposed to PFAS on the job. —Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of contaminate

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for contaminated

• abbreviated
• accelerated
• accentuated
• accommodated
• acculturated
• accumulated
• acidulated
• adjudicated
• administrated
• adulterated
• affiliated
• agglomerated