disposable

[dih-spoh-zuh-buhl]

adjective

1. designed for or capable of being thrown away after being used or used up.

   disposable plastic spoons; a disposable cigarette lighter.

2. free for use; available.

   Every disposable vehicle was sent.

noun

1. something disposable after a single use, as a paper cup, plate, or napkin.

disposable

/ dɪˈspəʊzəbəl /

adjective

1. designed for disposal after use

   disposable cups

2. available for use if needed

   disposable assets

noun

1. something, such as a baby's nappy, that is designed for disposal

2. (plural) short for disposable goods

Other Word Forms

• disposability noun
• disposableness noun
• disposably adverb
• nondisposable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disposable¹

First recorded in 1645–55; dispose + -able

Example Sentences

I wasn’t balling out of control, but I had some disposable income and idle time.

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The press even had to have disposable cameras.

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Reusable pads look similar to disposable ones but are usually made from cotton or bamboo and fasten around your underwear with poppers.

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Those with less disposable income tend to spend more of their budget on imports, Mr Tedeschi said.

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Nothing you see in the store is what Lorenzo would call “disposable fashion. They wear it once. They show it on Instagram, but they can only wear it once.”

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Related Words

• superfluous 
• unimportant