What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
perishable
Example
The grocery store has a section for perishable items like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. [perishable: adjective]
Example
It's important to handle perishable goods with care to prevent spoilage. [perishable: noun]
spoiling
Example
The milk is spoiling, and we need to use it up before it goes bad. [spoiling: verb]
Example
The restaurant had to throw away the spoiling meat to avoid food poisoning. [spoiling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Perishable is more commonly used than spoiling in everyday language, especially in a retail or grocery context. Spoiling is less common and is typically used to describe food that has already gone bad.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between perishable and spoiling?
Both perishable and spoiling are relatively formal words, and they are commonly used in technical or scientific contexts related to food safety and preservation.