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 of spoilage

• decomposition
• decay

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

Press out as much air as possible before sealing—freezer burn, not spoilage, is the primary concern. —Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 24 Apr. 2026

Don’t store lemons in plastic bags (including the plastic produce bags from the store), as those bags trap moisture, which can speed up spoilage. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026

Signs of Spoilage in Cauliflower While cauliflower stays fresh longer than many other vegetables, keep an eye out for telltale signs of spoilage. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2026

At the time, Pasteur was primarily interested in stemming wine and beer spoilage but, in time, pasteurization would be used for milk and other products. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

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