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
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.
With the wealth effect from Americans’ vast holdings of stocks — at a record 250% of disposable income based on Federal Reserve flow-of-funds data — rising stock prices have been driving consumer spending.
From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026
Suddenly Niki is enjoying a major increase in disposable income.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
Add it up and these three expenses absorb most of the $38,000 gain, leaving many families—especially those with young children or in high-cost cities—with roughly the same disposable income their parents had, despite earning more.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026
"These increases are likely to weigh on disposable incomes, dampening demand and posing a significant challenge to economic activity over the coming months."
From BBC • May 14, 2026
I filled a disposable syringe with the three-units dosage and set it aside.
From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas
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.
