What does the word spent mean in a criminal conviction?

In the context of a criminal conviction, the term "spent" refers to the status of a conviction after a certain period has passed, during which the individual has not reoffended. Once a conviction is considered "spent," it typically no longer needs to be disclosed in most situations, allowing the individual to move on without the stigma of that conviction affecting their future opportunities, such as employment. The specific duration before a conviction becomes spent can vary based on the nature of the offense and the laws of the jurisdiction.