# tainted

**Pronunciation:** /ˈteɪntɪd/ · TAYN-tid

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** adjective

## Meaning 1: Quality

Having a trace of something harmful or undesirable added, which spoils its purity or quality.

## Examples

- The water supply was tainted by industrial waste.
- His reputation was tainted by the scandal.
- The fruit was tainted with a strange chemical smell.

## Meaning 2: Past Participle

To have been affected or corrupted by a bad influence or substance.

## Examples

- The jury's decision was tainted by prejudice.
- His career was tainted by accusations of fraud.
- The food was tainted by the smell of smoke.

## Synonyms

- spoiled — Generally refers to food or drink that has gone bad.
- contaminated — Implies the presence of harmful substances, often in a more serious way than 'tainted'.
- defiled — Suggests a more severe moral or spiritual corruption, or physical desecration.
- polluted — Often used for environmental damage, like air or water.

## Antonyms

- pure — Not mixed with any other substance; completely clean.
- unspoiled — Not damaged or ruined; retaining its original quality.
- wholesome — Good for physical or moral health; pure and sound.

## Common patterns

- tainted by — To be affected or spoiled by something undesirable. — The whole project was tainted by a lack of funding.
- tainted with — To have a trace of something harmful or unpleasant added. — The water was tainted with chemicals from the factory.

## Collocations

- tainted food — We had to throw away all the tainted food after the power outage.
- tainted reputation — His reputation was tainted by the rumors, even though they were false.
- tainted by — The investigation revealed that the election results were tainted by foreign interference.

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