spoilage

American  

[spoi-lij] / ˈspɔɪ lɪdʒ /

noun

1. the act of spoiling or the state of being spoiled.

2. material or the amount of material that is spoiled or wasted.

   The spoilage in today's shipment is much too great.

3. the decay of foodstuffs due to the action of bacteria; rotting.

   He was concerned about the spoilage of fruit on the way to market.

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spoilage British  

/ ˈspɔɪlɪdʒ /

noun

1. the act or an instance of spoiling or the state or condition of being spoilt

2. an amount of material that has been wasted by being spoilt

   the spoilage of corn was considerable

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Etymology

Origin of spoilage

First recorded in 1590–1600; spoil + -age

Example Sentences

Food preservatives are added to packaged products to prevent spoilage and extend how long foods remain safe to eat.

From Science Daily

Meanwhile, your executor could work with the landlord to arrange access to care for pets or plants, empty the fridge to prevent food spoilage, and so forth.

From MarketWatch

The first group includes non-antioxidant preservatives, which slow spoilage by limiting microbial growth or slowing chemical reactions in food.

From Science Daily

If a gift idea immediately fills you with dread about schedules, storage, or spoilage, consider that useful information.

From Salon

It was an effort to get rid of her bountiful supply of courgettes before they succumbed to spoilage.

From Salon