decommission

American  

[dee-kuh-mish-uhn] / ˌdi kəˈmɪʃ ən /

verb (used with object)

1. to remove or retire (a ship, airplane, etc.) from active service.

2. to deactivate; shut down.

   to decommission a nuclear power plant.

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decommission British  

/ ˌdiːkəˈmɪʃən /

verb

1. (tr) to dismantle or remove from service (a nuclear reactor, weapon, ship, etc which is no longer required)

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Etymology

Origin of decommission

First recorded in 1925–30; de- + commission

Example Sentences

Cembalest highlights research undertaken by JPMorgan that scrutinized the costs incurred to the German economy stemming from its decision to decommission its nuclear power plants after the Fukushima incident.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 9, 2026

One example: his threat to decommission a spacecraft that transports National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronauts to the International Space Station.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

When an oil well comes to the end of its life, its operator has a responsibility to permanently decommission it.

From BBC • Jul. 10, 2025

There have been dedicated trains for monarchs since Queen Victoria's reign, but as part of a "drive to ensure we deliver value for money" it's been decided to decommission the historic rolling stock.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2025

Cleanup teams must de-energize and decommission the batteries for proper recycling and disposal.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2025