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

On January 14, a notice indicated that Tree House Food was recalling 48-ounce Great Value, Chicken Broth product due to the potential for packaging failures that could result in spoilage. —Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025

Best Cyber Monday Beauty Deals at Dyson Dyson sales are few and far between, save for the spoilage we get served during Cyber Monday. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

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

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