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

Organic net sales fell 2.8%, which Diageo said was partly driven by softer performance in North America “given pressure on disposable income impacting U.S. spirits.”

From Barron's

The performance among its U.S. spirits business “reflected pressure on disposable income and competitive pressure from more affordable alternatives addressing a more stretched consumer wallet,” CEO Dave Lewis said.

From MarketWatch

“U.S. Spirits performance reflected pressure on disposable income, and competitive pressure from more affordable alternatives addressing a more stretched consumer wallet,” CEO Dave Lewis said.

From MarketWatch

“U.S. Spirits performance reflected pressure on disposable income, and competitive pressure from more affordable alternatives addressing a more stretched consumer wallet,” CEO Dave Lewis said.

From MarketWatch

When viewed as a percentage of disposable personal income, this is a fairly good recession indicator, Mike Reid, head of U.S. economics at RBC Capital Markets tells Barron’s.

From Barron's

Related Words

• superfluous
• unimportant