disposable

American  

[dih-spoh-zuh-buhl] / dɪˈspoʊ zə bəl /

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.

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noun

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

disposable British  

/ dɪˈspəʊzəbəl /

adjective

1. designed for disposal after use

   disposable cups

2. available for use if needed

   disposable assets

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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

Etymology

Origin of disposable

First recorded in 1645–55; dispose + -able

Example Sentences

Personal shopping is also a tool for stores to reel in wealthier consumers with disposable income to spend, a prized target.

From The Wall Street Journal

“As I’m getting older, I’ve realized things aren’t disposable. Relationships don’t really end like that. And if you do close the door, sometimes you end up thinking about it for the next three years.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Or choose not to spend that part of their discretionary income or disposable income for a pair of Broadway tickets.”

From Los Angeles Times

This is a different model for Russian intelligence - using disposable agents for hire.

From BBC

But Suez and Biffa have said people are still treating reusable vapes as disposable, and binning them after one or two uses.

From BBC

Related Words

• superfluous
• unimportant