Stale: meaning, definitions and examples

When something, usually food like bread or cake, is no longer fresh but not necessarily harmful to consume.

• The bread has become stale after being left out for a week.
• I threw away the stale cookies because they were hard and tasteless.

Refers to something that has been around for a long time. It can describe objects, people, or concepts.

• He loves listening to old music records from the 80s.
• The old building on the corner is set to be demolished next month.

When oils or fat-containing foods have gone bad, giving off a strong, unpleasant smell and taste.

• The butter has turned rancid after being left out in the heat.
• You should throw away that rancid oil; it's not safe to use.

Describes food that has gone bad and is no longer safe to eat. Can also refer to a person who receives everything they want, often leading to negative behavior.

• The milk is spoiled; it smells sour.
• The fruit in the basket has spoiled and needs to be thrown away.
• The child is so spoiled that he throws a tantrum whenever he doesn't get his way.

To describe food or a situation that has lost freshness or vitality.

• The bread is stale
• The show has become quite stale after running for ten years

When something lacks excitement or interest.

• The lecture was so boring that I almost fell asleep
• The movie was boring; it had no action or interesting plot

When something lacks originality or creativity.

• Her idea was unoriginal and seemed copied from an old project
• The script was unoriginal and full of clichés

To describe something that is overused or lacking in energy and freshness. It can also describe physical or mental exhaustion.

• His excuse is getting old and tired
• After a long day at work, I feel very tired