What does unspoilt mean?
Unspoilt means that something has not been damaged, corrupted, or deprived of its original character. The word is especially common in British English and frequently describes natural landscapes, historic places, food, or personal qualities that remain pure and intact. It often carries a positive, slightly nostalgic implication: an unspoilt coastline or village suggests freedom from excessive development, while an unspoilt person is regarded as retaining their innocence or natural goodness. The related spelling unspoiled is more typical in American English. Although unspoilt can describe physical objects, its most evocative uses concern places and people whose essential qualities have not been altered by harmful or superficial influences. It is more specific than merely untouched, because it suggests that something good could have been spoiled but has not been.
adjectiveNot spoiled, damaged, corrupted, or otherwise impaired; remaining in its original or natural condition. It can also describe innocence, natural qualities, or an attractive quality that has not been diminished.
- Not spoiled, damaged, corrupted, or otherwise impaired.
- Retaining its original purity, natural beauty, or innocence.
"The remote village retains an unspoilt character, with traditional homes and a peaceful rural landscape."
"The island is known for its unspoilt beaches and clear coastal waters."
"Despite years in the spotlight, he remained remarkably unspoilt."
One letter distinguishes the British “unspoilt” from the American “unspoiled,” but both celebrate something left intact by modern life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unspoilt come from?
Unspoilt was formed from the prefix un-, the verb spoil, and the adjectival ending -t. English spoil comes through Middle English from Old French espoillier, meaning “to strip or plunder,” ultimately from Latin expoliare, “to strip,” derived from spolium, meaning “booty” or “plunder.” The form with -t is characteristic of British English, while unspoiled is the standard spelling in American English.
How unspoilt is actually used
The word is especially common in British English, whereas unspoiled is more frequent in American English. In descriptions of landscapes, culture, or people, it can carry a nostalgic or literary tone.
Easily confused with unspoilt
Unspoilt is the characteristic British spelling, while unspoiled is the usual American spelling; both have the same meaning.