What does spoilt mean?
Spoilt is a word especially common in British English, although it is understood throughout the English-speaking world. As an adjective, it can mean that something has been damaged, ruined, or allowed to deteriorate, often because of poor conditions or neglect. It can also describe a person who has been excessively indulged or allowed too much freedom, leading to selfishness, demanding behaviour, or an inability to cope with ordinary difficulties. In another sense, a person or team may be described as spoilt when they have been deprived of a deserved opportunity, such as a victory. The term can therefore suggest either material loss, excessive privilege, or lost opportunity. As a verb, "spoilt" is the British past tense and past participle of "spoil," though US English normally prefers the form "spoiled." The word is useful because it captures both the consequences of careless treatment and the social effects of overindulgence.
Damaged, ruined, or deteriorated; excessively indulged or badly behaved as a result of overindulgence; or deprived of something deserved.
"The incident spoilt an otherwise excellent holiday."
The expression "spoilt for choice" means having too many possibilities and being unable to choose.
Past tense and past participle of "spoil."
"The heat spoilt the paint before it had dried."
This is the standard British form; American English usually uses "spoiled."
In British English, "spoilt" is the familiar adjective; American English generally reaches for "spoiled" instead.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spoilt come from?
The word belongs to the same historical family as the modern verb "spoil." It developed through Old French from Latin roots meaning to strip, plunder, or deprive, a sense reflected in related English words such as "spoliate," "spoliation," and "despoliation." The modern form became established with both the ordinary meaning of ruining or damaging and the figurative sense of ruining someone's chances or depriving them of a possession.
Related word forms
How spoilt is actually used
In British English, "spoilt" is the usual adjective and past participle; American English generally prefers "spoiled." The phrase "spoilt for choice" means having too many options and therefore being unable to decide.
Easily confused with spoilt
"Spoilt" is the standard form in British English for both the adjective and the past participle, whereas "spoiled" is preferred in American English and is also widely used in Britain.
"Spoil" is the base verb meaning to damage or ruin something or to deprive someone of something, while "spoilt" is its past tense and past participle.