Definition of 'blemish'

Word Frequency

blemish

(blemɪʃ )

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense blemishes , present participle blemishing , past tense, past participle blemished

1. countable noun

A blemish is a small mark on something that spoils its appearance.

Every piece is inspected, and if there is the slightest blemish on it, it is rejected.

2. countable noun

A blemish on something is a small fault in it.

This is the one blemish on an otherwise resounding success. [+ on]

Synonyms: defect, fault, weakness, stain More Synonyms of blemish

3. verb

If something blemishes someone's character or reputation, it spoils it or makes it seem less good than it was in the past.

He wasn't about to blemish that pristine record. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: dishonour, mark, damage, spot More Synonyms of blemish

More Synonyms of blemish

Video: pronunciation of 'blemish'

Word Frequency

blemish in British

(ˈblɛmɪʃ )

noun

a defect; flaw; stain

verb

2. (transitive)

to flaw the perfection of; spoil; tarnish

Word origin of 'blemish'

C14: from Old French blemir to make pale, probably of Germanic origin

Word Frequency

blemish in American

(ˈblɛmɪʃ ; blemˈish)

verb transitive

to mar, as by some flaw or fault; spoil the perfection of

noun

a mark that mars the appearance, as a stain, spot, scar, etc.

any flaw, defect, or shortcoming

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈdeˌfect

Word origin of 'blemish'

ME blemishen < OFr blemiss-, extended stem of blesmir, to injure, prob. via Frank *blesmjan, to cause to turn pale < *blesmi, akin to blaze2

Example sentences containing 'blemish'

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Powder will also help concealer on spots blemishes. The Sun (2008)The failure of anybody to hit a significant score was one blemish on their performance. The Sun (2015)Those of us with bodies free of any blemish except liver spots and varicose veins. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Many of those harvested are smaller with more blemishes on the skin or splits in the tubers. Times, Sunday Times (2012)Hide any blemishes and dark circles under the eyes with a concealer. The Sun (2009)But this is the only minor blemish on a great new game. The Sun (2014)Do the same to blemishes and dark spots. The Sun (2014)Peace has merely condensed the blemishes into one bruise. Times, Sunday Times (2006)Choose small carrots free from blemishes and which feel heavy for their size. Times, Sunday Times (2010)But these blemishes are small and few. The Times Literary Supplement (2013)This compact one is ideal for around the eye area and for applying concealer to small blemishes and dark circles. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Apply on to the spot or blemish with a cotton bud and dab around the outside to blend in with your foundation. The Sun (2010)The Beauty setting removes blemishes and changes face shape but the results can be hilarious. The Sun (2016)So, how can you smooth out the blemishes and stop the sagging? The Sun (2013)It was the one blemish on a fine individual performance that lasted 73 minutes. Times, Sunday Times (2014)Because on the first pass it appeared to be utterly blemish free, faultless. Times, Sunday Times (2006)One resource that is less welcome on the farm is methane, a blemish on the reputation of rural life. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Too many toxins put a strain on the liver and kidneys, and this often manifests itself in blemishes and dark circles. Times, Sunday Times (2008)It was still inconceivable to him that he could be forced out of office for a minor blemish such as lying to protect some of his aides. Times, Sunday Times (2009)In all such cases I was successful and the students were released without any blemish on their record. Times, Sunday Times (2009)A good foundation is the base for make-up and it needs to give smooth coverage for blemishes and to stay put all day. The Sun (2009) Small blemishes on your report, such as a single missed mobile phone payment, can damage your chances of securing a mortgage. Times, Sunday Times (2010)The B of the Bang debacle is the only real blemish on this record. Times, Sunday Times (2010)Luckily, I managed to secure funds from elsewhere but the loan rejection is now a blemish on my record. Times, Sunday Times (2015)