What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rancid
Example
The nuts tasted rancid because they had been left out in the sun for too long. [rancid: adjective]
Example
The oil in the frying pan smelled rancid and needed to be replaced. [rancid: adjective]
spoiled
Example
The milk was spoiled and had a sour taste. [spoiled: adjective]
Example
The meat had spoiled and was no longer safe to eat. [spoiled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spoiled is more commonly used than rancid in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of food spoilage situations. Rancid is more specific and is typically used to describe oils, fats, or nuts that have gone bad.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between rancid and spoiled?
Both rancid and spoiled are relatively informal words and are commonly used in everyday conversation. However, rancid may be slightly more formal due to its association with the science of food chemistry.
