Someone, especially a child, who is spoiled is allowed to do or have anything that they want, usually with the result that they behave badly and do not show respect to other people:

intransitive verb 1 : to lose valuable or useful qualities usually as a result of decay the fruit spoiled 2 : to have an eager desire spoiling for a fight

In US and UK writing conventions, the simple past tense of "to spoil" is "spoiled." Brits will sometimes use "spoilt" for the adjective and the past participle.

SPOILED definition: (of a person, especially a child) indulged excessively or pampered, with a harmful effect on character. See examples of spoiled used in a sentence.

Spoiled and spoilt are two spellings of the past tense conjugation of spoil, which means to rot or to ruin something. Spoiled is the preferred spelling in all language communities.

To reveal details about (a movie or a book, for example) before someone has a chance to discover these details on their own: The article spoiled the next episode of my favorite TV show.

Apr 1, 2025 · “Spoiled” is the more commonly used form in American English, while “spoilt” is preferred in British English. Both words function as past participles of the verb “spoil.” For example, you might …

to damage severely or harm (something), esp. with reference to its excellence, value, usefulness, etc.: The water stain spoiled the painting. Drought spoiled the corn crop. affect detrimentally: Bad weather …

Definition of spoiled adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Nov 3, 2025 · Confused about Spoilt vs Spoiled? Discover the real difference, grammar rules, and when to use each correctly. Learn it easily!