酸败（Rancidification）是食物和其他产品中的不饱和脂肪酸被氧化或水解的过程和现象，酸败的食物具有难闻气味和难吃味道。油脂长时间暴露于温热和潮湿的环境中，会产生所谓的臭油味。这些臭油味就是由于脂肪被氧化或水解而产生的：

不论是水解酸败或氧化酸败，都会有部分脂肪酸游离出来，使油脂的酸度增加，并破坏食物里的营养。在特定的环境里，这些酸败反应更会快速破坏维生素。因此，经过酸败反应的油脂对人体有害。

Rancidification, the product of which can be described as rancidity, is the process which causes a substance to become rancid, that is, having a rank, unpleasant smell or taste. Specifically, it is the hydrolysis and/or autoxidation of fats into short-chain aldehydes and ketones which are objectionable in taste and odor. When these processes occur in food, undesirable odors and flavors can result. In some cases, however, the flavors can be desirable (as in aged cheeses). In processed meats, these flavors are collectively known as warmed-over flavor. Rancidification can also detract from the nutritional value of food, and some vitamins are highly sensitive to degradation. Akin to rancidification, oxidative degradation also occurs in other hydrocarbons, e.g. lubricating oils, fuels, and mechanical cutting fluids.