Blemish

/ˈblɛmɪʃ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A small mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something.

The antique vase had a blemish on its surface that reduced its value.

A moral flaw or weakness.

Despite his impressive resume, the scandal was a blemish on his character.

An imperfection or defect.

The car was in excellent condition, except for a minor blemish on the bumper.

verb

To spoil the appearance of something.

The spilled paint will blemish the new floor if not cleaned up immediately.

To damage or tarnish one's reputation.

The false accusations aimed to blemish her hard-earned reputation.

Middle English, from Old French 'blemir', meaning to darken or tarnish.

blemish in character

A flaw in someone's ethical or moral integrity.

to blemish one's reputation

To damage or harm one's good name.

stain

A mark made by a foreign substance.

spot

A small area differing in color or texture from the surrounding area.

An undesirable mark or point in a situation.

The delay was a real blemish on an otherwise smooth project.

A flaw in a plan or argument.

That argument has a blemish; it doesn't consider the latest data.