blemish

American  

[blem-ish] / ˈblɛm ɪʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to destroy or diminish the perfection of.

   The book is blemished by those long, ineffective descriptions.

   Synonyms:

   deface , impair , damage , mar , injure , taint , tarnish , spot , sully , stain

   Antonyms:

   repair , purify

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noun

1. a mark that detracts from appearance, as a pimple or a scar.

2. a defect or flaw; stain; blight.

   a blemish on his record.

   Synonyms:

   taint , speck , spot , blot

blemish British  

/ ˈblɛmɪʃ /

noun

1. a defect; flaw; stain

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verb

1. (tr) to flaw the perfection of; spoil; tarnish

Related Words

See defect.

Other Word Forms

• blemisher noun
• unblemished adjective
• unblemishing adjective

Etymology

Origin of blemish

1275–1325; Middle English (v.) < Anglo-French, Middle French blemiss-, long stem of ble ( s ) mir to make livid, perhaps < Old Low Franconian *blesmjan; blaze ²

Example Sentences

The former white-collar fighter - with no amateur pedigree - has stopped 19 opponents in 20 wins, with the sole blemish a thrilling draw with Clarke in March 2024.

From BBC

“This whole incident has been a fiasco and a blemish on our country. He needs to be fired,” he added.

From The Wall Street Journal

OK, the jewel does need some cleaning up, but it’s not that blemished.

From Los Angeles Times

Its only blemish in that stretch was the Week 8 loss to the Defenders.

From Washington Post

“The one home run is really the only blemish.”

From Washington Times

Related Words

• blot
• blotch
• bruise
• discoloration
• freckle
• imperfection
• pimple
• scar
• smudge
• snag
• stain
• stigma
• wart