What does blemish mean?
A blemish is a small mark, spot, or imperfection that mars the appearance of something, most commonly a person's skin, but also surfaces, fabrics, or objects such as fruit, paintwork, or antiques. By extension, the word is widely used figuratively for anything that detracts from an otherwise excellent whole — a scandal can be a blemish on a politician's record, an early defeat a blemish on a team's season. The word functions as both noun and verb: one can have a blemish, or one can blemish something by marring its perfection. Its connotations are consistently negative but mild; a blemish suggests a localized flaw rather than wholesale damage, which is why phrases like 'without blemish' and 'blemish-free' work as strong claims of purity or quality. Derived forms include the adjective 'blemished' and its opposite 'unblemished'. The word entered English in the late Middle Ages from Old French, where the related verb meant to injure or discolor, giving it a long history tied to the idea of visible damage.
A small mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something, especially the skin; figuratively, any defect that tarnishes an otherwise good record or reputation.
"The inspector noted only one blemish on the car's otherwise pristine paintwork."
Most frequently applied to skin, but common figuratively in discussions of reputation and achievement.
To mar or spoil the perfection or beauty of something; to impair the cleanliness or good name of.
"No amount of revision could blemish the novel's critical standing."
Somewhat formal and literary; everyday speech usually prefers 'spoil' or 'ruin'.
The plural is standard when referring to multiple marks or flaws; singular 'blemish' is typical when speaking of a single defect.
"Even at close range, the fabric showed no blemishes."
Before it ever meant a flaw, blemish came from an Old French verb meaning to injure or make pale — literally draining the color out of something.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of blemish
Blemish entered English in the fourteenth century from Old French 'blesmir', a verb meaning to injure, bruise, or make pale. The Old French term is generally traced to Germanic origins, connecting it to the idea of striking or draining color from a surface. Originally denoting physical injury or discoloration, the word gradually narrowed and softened into its modern sense of a surface flaw and, later, a figurative stain on reputation.
Related word forms
How blemish is actually used
The noun is neutral in register but carries mildly negative connotation, since it always implies something has been spoiled or made less than perfect. The verb form ('to blemish') is somewhat more formal and literary than everyday verbs like 'spoil' or 'ruin', and is most at home in writing about reputation, honor, or aesthetics.
Easily confused with blemish
Despite the similar '-ish' ending, banish means to drive someone or something away, while blemish is a mark or flaw that mars appearance or reputation.