spoil
verb (used with object)
to damage severely or harm (something), especially with reference to its excellence, value, usefulness, etc.: Drought spoiled the corn crop.
spoiling
-
present participleof spoil.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
No matter what, the stock market has been showering investors with wealth like a crazy rich uncle who can’t stop spoiling all the kids in the family.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
To see Argentina's obvious talent, which they displayed by overpowering England in the semi-final, reduced to such spoiling tactics was a dismal sight, hardly designed to aid Messi's genius and influence.
From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026
I can just see Lionel Messi spoiling our party.
From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026
Without spoiling the season’s outcome, I’ll just say that line is a guarantee of satisfaction even though we know this is the last serving we going to get.
From Salon ● Jun. 28, 2026
Next problem I got to solve, though, is how to keep all this stuff from spoiling in the July heat.
From "Shiloh" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
