What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contaminating
Example
The factory's waste is contaminating the river. [contaminating: verb]
Example
The food was recalled due to possible contamination with salmonella. [contamination: noun]
tainting
Example
The scandal tainted the politician's reputation. [tainted: verb]
Example
The presence of lead in the paint tainted the entire batch. [tainting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contaminating is more commonly used than tainting in scientific or technical contexts, while tainting is more commonly used in social or personal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contaminating and tainting?
Contaminating is more formal than tainting, which is more casual and informal in tone.
