Meaning & use
spoilage
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Meaning
noununcountablebusinesstechnical
The process or amount of food or other goods becoming unfit for use, especially through decay.
Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun; it does not take 'a' or a plural form in this sense.
Patterns
- spoilage of food
- prevent spoilage
- reduce spoilage
- spoilage rate
Proper refrigeration helps prevent the spoilage of fresh produce.
The company reported significant spoilage due to the power outage.
Bacteria are a major cause of food spoilage.
Common combinations
- food spoilage
- Food spoilage is a serious concern in the restaurant industry.
- prevent spoilage
- Adding preservatives can prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.
- spoilage rate
- The spoilage rate for dairy products is higher in warm climates.
- spoilage bacteria
- Spoilage bacteria cause food to smell and taste bad.
Synonyms and how they differ
- decay
- Decay is a more general term for rotting; spoilage is more specific to goods becoming unfit for use, often in commercial contexts.
- decomposition
- Decomposition is a scientific term for the breakdown of organic matter; spoilage is the result that makes goods unusable.
- putrefaction
- Putrefaction refers specifically to the rotting of animal matter with a foul smell; spoilage is broader.
Word family
Commonly confused: spoilage or spillage?
spoilage vs spillage
Spillage means an accidental spill of liquid, while spoilage means decay or damage that makes goods unusable.
Practice
The supermarket installed new refrigerators to reduce ___ of perishable goods.
Choose one answer.
Spoilage refers to goods becoming unfit for use, which fits the context of perishable goods. Spillage is about accidental spills; spoil is a verb; spoiling is a gerund and less common in this business context.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “spoilage”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.