disposable
Americanadjective
-
designed for or capable of being thrown away after being used or used up.
disposable plastic spoons; a disposable cigarette lighter.
-
free for use; available.
Every disposable vehicle was sent.
noun
adjective
-
designed for disposal after use
disposable cups
-
available for use if needed
disposable assets
noun
-
something, such as a baby's nappy, that is designed for disposal
-
(plural) short for disposable goods
Other Word Forms
- disposability noun
- disposableness noun
- disposably adverb
- nondisposable adjective
Etymology
Origin of disposable
Explanation
Something disposable is not meant to last. It's OK to throw it out after you use it. Disposable diapers are a good example of what the word disposable is all about: after the diaper is used, it goes straight into the trash, and you can't use it again. Something disposable is replaceable. If a boss decides an employee is disposable, that means the employee will probably be fired. As you can imagine, people don't like to feel disposable. Lots of people don't like products that are disposable either. Disposing of things just creates more garbage, which is bad for the environment. Usually, things that are recyclable are better.
Vocabulary lists containing disposable
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History is made in PA: Clinton's DNC Acceptance Speech
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Mockingjay
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I’d rather spend my disposable income on traveling or experiences.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026
But manufacturers are not required to completely disclose what disposable diapers are made of, leaving parents in the dark.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
Feces are placed in disposable bags that compact and will be brought back to Earth.
From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026
"Locals in the area don't have as much disposable income as the tourists, so we are reliant on the tourism trade," she tells me.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
I selected deodorant, disposable razors, and shaving cream.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
