unspoiled
not damaged or ruinedThe unspoiled beaches of the island attract many tourists.
The beaches remain natural and untouched by human activity.
not spoiled or harmed; remaining in a natural, pristine state
The national park is known for its unspoiled wilderness.
The park's natural environment is undisturbed by development.
She preferred the unspoiled charm of small villages over big cities.
She liked the authentic, untouched atmosphere of rural areas.
Often used to describe natural landscapes, environments, or qualities that remain pure and unaltered.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'unspoilt'
'Unspoiled' and 'unspoilt' are interchangeable in most contexts, though 'unspoilt' is more common in British English. Both mean 'not spoiled or damaged.'
Gold Rule
Use for physical states
Apply 'unspoiled' to tangible things like landscapes, food, or objects. Do not use it for abstract qualities like 'unspoiled innocence'—opt for 'unsullied' or 'untarnished' instead.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'unspoyled' (unharmed), from Old French 'despoillier' (to strip, rob) via Latin 'despoliare' (to plunder), with the prefix 'un-' indicating negation. The sense of 'not spoiled' emerged in the 16th century.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in environmental, travel, and descriptive contexts. Avoid using for abstract concepts like 'unspoiled reputation'—use 'unsullied' instead.