contaminated

adjective

con·​tam·​i·​nat·​ed kən-ˈta-mə-ˌnā-təd 

1

: soiled, stained, corrupted, or infected by contact or association

a contaminated wound

Urine and feces of infected cats and contaminated clothing, bedding, food bowls or toys are also possible modes of transmission.

—Cat Fancy

2

: made unfit for use by the introduction of unwholesome or undesirable elements

Botulinum toxin is a highly lethal substance which causes death, even in developed countries, when contaminated food is improperly canned or stored.

—John Laffin

… the material could be used as a filter for cleaning contaminated drinking water.

—Alexandra Goho

Synonyms

• adulterate
• adulterated
• alloyed
• dilute
• diluted
• impure
• polluted
• tainted
• thinned
• weakened

Examples of contaminated in a Sentence

the hospitals had no choice but to throw out the contaminated blood supply

Recent Examples on the Web

Avoid Touching Your Face Norovirus spreads easily when viral particles from contaminated surfaces make their way into your mouth, nose, or eyes. —David Nikel, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

Residents should also be aware that home water treatment devices are not certified to make extremely contaminated water safe. —Andrew J. Whelton, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025

Growing oysters or watering plants with contaminated water contributes to the spread of foodborne norovirus infections. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2025

Salmonella can be spread via contaminated water errantly used to irrigate crops, according to the CDC. —Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of contaminate

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1