spoilage

noun

spoil·​age ˈspȯi-lij 

1

: the act or process of spoiling

especially : the process of decay in foodstuffs

2

: something spoiled or wasted

3

: loss by spoilage

Synonyms

• breakdown
• corruption
• decay
• decomposition
• festering
• putrefaction
• putrescence
• rot

Examples of spoilage in a Sentence

The milk should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.

in the days before refrigeration, spoilage was a constant problem

Recent Examples on the Web

Too much light can lead to early spoilage and reduce seed germination rates. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2025

This means defining key objectives, such as improving inventory tracking, reducing spoilage, improving demand forecasting and enhancing redistribution efforts. —Guy Yehiav, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

Just over 2,000 cases of chicken broth sold at Walmart have been recalled due to a packaging issue that could lead to product spoilage, a Walmart spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY Monday morning. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025

Change the water daily and check for signs of mold or spoilage. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

spoilage

noun

spoil·​age ˈspȯi-lij 

: the action of spoiling or the condition of being spoiled