plural blemishes
1
: a mark that makes something imperfect or less beautiful : an unwanted mark on the surface of something
The cream is supposed to prevent blemishes on the skin.
The table had a few scratches and minor blemishes.
2
: a fact or event that causes people to respect someone or something less
The book fails to mention any of the organization's many blemishes.
The incident was/left a blemish on his record/reputation.
blemishes; blemished; blemishing
: to make (something) imperfect or less beautiful : to hurt or damage the good condition of (something)
A series of burn marks blemish the table's surface.
The incident blemished his reputation.
—usually used as (be) blemishedHer face was wrinkled and blemished.
His reputation was blemished [=marred] by the incident.
Cite this Entry
“Blemish.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/blemish. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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