How Do You Spell SPOIL?

Pronunciation: [spˈɔ͡ɪl] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "spoil" can be tricky for some. The correct pronunciation of the word is /spɔɪl/. The "s" is pronounced as a voiceless consonant while the "p" is pronounced with a puff of air. The "o" is pronounced with an "aw" sound and the "i" is pronounced with a long "oy" sound. Finally, the "l" is pronounced with a slight flap of the tongue. Remembering the correct phonetic transcription can help with spelling this word correctly in written communication.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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SPOIL Meaning and Definition

  1. Spoil is a verb that can have several meanings depending on the context. It generally refers to causing damage or harm to something or someone, resulting in a decrease in value, quality, or enjoyment. Here is a 200-word dictionary definition of "spoil":

    1. To damage, ruin, or harm the quality, condition, or value of an object, product, or material, often leading to it becoming unusable, ineffective, or less desirable.

    2. To adversely affect the taste, freshness, or edibility of food or other perishable items, making them rotten, stale, or unfit for consumption.

    3. To impair or mar the beauty, appearance, or integrity of something, such as by breakage, staining, or defacement.

    4. To disrupt, impede, or hinder the progress, development, or success of a process, plan, or undertaking, resulting in failure or decreased efficiency.

    5. To ruin or harm the reputation, happiness, or well-being of a person, often by causing disappointment, frustration, or distress.

    6. In the context of a spoiled child, refers to someone who has been excessively indulged or pampered, leading to entitled behavior, lack of discipline, or unrealistic expectations.

    Overall, spoil encompasses a range of negative impacts, from physical damage, decay, or contamination to figurative harm, such as thwarting progress or causing emotional upset.

  2. • That which is taken by force, especially in war; pillage; plunder.
    • To plunder; to rob.
    • To waste; to render useless; to mar; to taint; to go to ruin.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SPOIL *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SPOIL

Etymology of SPOIL

The word "spoil" originated from the Old French word "espoillier" which came from the Latin word "spoliare". In Latin, "spoliare" means "to strip, to plunder, or to loot". The term later evolved in Middle English to "spoilen" and ultimately became "spoil" as we know it today.

Idioms with the word SPOIL

  • it takes one bad apple to spoil the (whole) bushel The idiom "it takes one bad apple to spoil the (whole) bushel" means that a single negative or corrupt individual can have a detrimental influence on a group or community. It implies that the bad influence of one person can taint or ruin the entire group's reputation or integrity.
  • spoil the ship for a ha’p’orth/ha’pennyworth of tar The idiom "spoil the ship for a ha'p'orth/ha'pennyworth of tar" means to ruin or undermine something of great value or importance due to a lack of investment or attention to a relatively small or insignificant problem. It refers to the tradition of using tar to seal and protect wooden ships, highlighting the importance of maintaining and caring for the vessel adequately to prevent potential damage. However, neglecting this minor expense or precaution can result in significant harm or deterioration to the ship.
  • spoil sb rotten The idiom "spoil someone rotten" means to excessively and indulgently pamper or indulge someone, often resulting in their entitlement, selfishness, or lack of appreciation for others. It usually refers to providing excessive material possessions, attention, or leniency to someone, leading to their negative traits or behavior.
  • spoil sb's party The idiom "spoil sb's party" means to ruin someone's plans, celebration, or enjoyment by acting or saying something that upsets, disappoints, or frustrates them. It typically refers to someone's attempt to negatively impact a situation, often intentionally, causing unhappiness or disruption for the person involved.
  • do not spoil the ship for a ha'porth of tar The idiom "do not spoil the ship for a ha'porth of tar" suggests that one should not neglect or fail to take necessary precautions or make small investments to protect something valuable or important, just because of the cost or effort involved. It means that one should not jeopardize the success or well-being of a larger endeavor or project by being stingy or negligent in attending to vital details.
  • too many cooks spoil the broth The idiom "too many cooks spoil the broth" means that when too many people are involved in completing a task or making a decision, it becomes difficult to accomplish the goal effectively or efficiently. It suggests that an excess of individuals working on something can lead to confusion, conflicting ideas, and a decrease in productivity or quality.
  • Too many cooks spoil the stew. The idiom "Too many cooks spoil the stew" means that when there are too many people involved in a task or project, especially with different ideas or opinions, it can lead to confusion, inefficiency, and ultimately a negative outcome. It suggests that a group can become less productive or successful when there are too many individuals interfering or exerting their influence.
  • it takes one bad apple to spoil the (whole) barrel The idiom "it takes one bad apple to spoil the (whole) barrel" means that the negative influence or behavior of one person can corrupt or ruin an entire group, system, or situation. It implies that the misconduct or misconducts of a single individual can have a widespread negative impact on others around them.
  • spoil the party for sb, at spoil sb's party To "spoil the party for someone" or "spoil someone's party" means to ruin a happy or enjoyable event or situation for someone. It refers to the act of doing or saying something that dampens the mood, creates conflict, or brings negativity into an otherwise joyful gathering or celebration.
  • it takes one bad apple to spoil the (whole) bunch The idiom "it takes one bad apple to spoil the (whole) bunch" means that one negative or harmful person or thing can have a detrimental influence on an entire group or situation. It suggests that the negative behavior or influence of one individual can spread and affect others, ultimately tarnishing the entire group.
  • spare the rod and spoil the child The idiom "spare the rod and spoil the child" is a saying that suggests if a parent or caregiver refuses to discipline a child or fails to administer punishment, the child will grow up undisciplined, spoiled, or misbehaved. It implies that a lack of discipline can lead to negative behavior and attitudes in children.
  • spoil the ship for a ha'porth of tar The idiom "spoil the ship for a ha'porth of tar" means to neglect or overlook a small and necessary detail that ends up causing significant negative consequences or failure. It refers to the idea of a ship, which represents a larger endeavor or goal, being ruined or damaged due to the lack of a small but crucial element like tar, which represents the minor effort or investment required to ensure success. The idiom emphasizes the importance of paying attention to seemingly insignificant details to avoid major setbacks.
  • too many cooks spoil the soup, at too many cooks spoil the broth The idiom "too many cooks spoil the soup" (or "too many cooks spoil the broth") means that when there are too many people involved in a task or project, it becomes disorganized, inefficient, or of lower quality due to conflicting inputs, ideas, or directions. This idiom highlights the importance of having a clear and unified approach when working collaboratively.
  • too many cooks spoil the soup The idiom "too many cooks spoil the soup" means that when too many people are involved in a task or decision-making process, it can lead to confusion, inefficiency, and a poor outcome. It emphasizes the importance of having a clear chain of command or a limited number of people to avoid complications and maintain effectiveness.
  • spoil the ship for a hap'orth of tar The idiom "spoil the ship for a hap'orth of tar" is an expression used to describe the act of neglecting or ruining something important or valuable for the sake of saving a small amount of money or effort. It emphasizes that a minor or insignificant error or omission can have significant negative consequences. The phrase originated from the use of tar (a material used to protect and preserve the wooden hull of a ship) and signifies the importance of not compromising the entire ship's integrity for want of a cheaper alternative.
  • spoil the ship for a ha'p'orth of tar "Spoil the ship for a ha'p'orth of tar" is an idiom that means to ruin or sabotage something significant or important due to a lack of attention or effort in addressing a small or easily preventable issue. It comes from the saying "a ha'p'orth of tar spoils the ship," where "ha'p'orth" is an abbreviation for "halfpenny's worth" and "tar" refers to the substance used to protect and maintain the hull of a ship. The idiom signifies the importance of attending to small details or investing in necessary maintenance to avoid larger problems or failures.
  • make a spoon or spoil a horn This idiom means that one should either accomplish a task successfully or not attempt it at all, as trying and failing will only bring negative consequences. In other words, if you are not able to do something correctly, it is better not to do it at all.

Similar spelling words for SPOIL

Plural form of SPOIL is SPOILS

Conjugate verb Spoil

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have spoilt; spoiled
you would have spoilt; spoiled
he/she/it would have spoilt; spoiled
we would have spoilt; spoiled
they would have spoilt; spoiled
I would have spoil
you would have spoil
he/she/it would have spoil
we would have spoil
they would have spoil

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been spoiling
you would have been spoiling
he/she/it would have been spoiling
we would have been spoiling
they would have been spoiling

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would spoil
you would spoil
he/she/it would spoil
we would spoil
they would spoil

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be spoiling
you would be spoiling
he/she/it would be spoiling
we would be spoiling
they would be spoiling

FUTURE

I will spoil
you will spoil
he/she/it will spoil
we will spoil
they will spoil

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be spoiling
you will be spoiling
he/she/it will be spoiling
we will be spoiling
they will be spoiling

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have spoilt; spoiled
you will have spoilt; spoiled
he/she/it will have spoilt; spoiled
we will have spoilt; spoiled
they will have spoilt; spoiled
I will have spoiled
you will have spoiled
he/she/it will have spoiled
we will have spoiled
they will have spoiled
I will have spoiled, will have spoilt
we will have spoiled, will have spoilt
you will have spoiled, will have spoilt
he/she/it will have spoiled, will have spoilt
they will have spoiled, will have spoilt

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been spoiling
you will have been spoiling
he/she/it will have been spoiling
we will have been spoiling
they will have been spoiling

IMPERATIVE

you spoil
we let´s spoil

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to spoil

PAST

I spoiled
you spoiled
he/she/it spoiled
we spoiled
they spoiled

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was spoiling
you were spoiling
he/she/it was spoiling
we were spoiling
they were spoiling

PAST PARTICIPLE

spoilt; spoiled
spoiled

PAST PERFECT

I had spoilt; spoiled
you had spoilt; spoiled
he/she/it had spoilt; spoiled
we had spoilt; spoiled
they had spoilt; spoiled
I had spoiled
you had spoiled
he/she/it had spoiled
we had spoiled
they had spoiled
I had spoiled, had spoilt
we had spoiled, had spoilt
you had spoiled, had spoilt
he/she/it had spoiled, had spoilt
they had spoiled, had spoilt

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been spoiling
you had been spoiling
he/she/it had been spoiling
we had been spoiling
they had been spoiling

PRESENT

I spoil
you spoil
he/she/it spoils
we spoil
they spoil

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am spoiling
you are spoiling
he/she/it is spoiling
we are spoiling
they are spoiling

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

spoiling

PRESENT PERFECT

I have spoilt; spoiled
you have spoilt; spoiled
he/she/it has spoilt; spoiled
we have spoilt; spoiled
they have spoilt; spoiled
I have spoiled
you have spoiled
he/she/it has spoiled
we have spoiled
they have spoiled
I have spoiled, have spoilt
we have spoiled, have spoilt
you have spoiled, have spoilt
he/she/it has spoiled, has spoilt
they have spoiled, have spoilt

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been spoiling
you have been spoiling
he/she/it has been spoiling
we have been spoiling
they have been spoiling

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it spoil

SIMPLE PAST

I spoilt; spoiled
you spoilt; spoiled
he/she/it spoilt; spoiled
we spoilt; spoiled
they spoilt; spoiled
I would have spoiled, would have spoilt
we would have spoiled, would have spoilt
you would have spoiled, would have spoilt
he/she/it would have spoiled, would have spoilt
they would have spoiled, would have spoilt

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Correct spelling for spoil
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