liquidation

[ lik-wi-dey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the process of realizing upon assets and of discharging liabilities in concluding the affairs of a business, estate, etc.
2. the process of converting securities or commodities into cash.
3. the state of being liquidated:

   an estate in liquidation.

liquidation

/ ˌlɪkwɪˈdeɪʃən /

noun

1. 1. the process of terminating the affairs of a business firm, etc, by realizing its assets to discharge its liabilities
   2. the state of a business firm, etc, having its affairs so terminated (esp in the phrase to go into liquidation )
2. destruction; elimination

liquidation

1. The conversion of the assets of a firm into cash, often just before the firm goes out of business.

Other Words From

• nonliq·ui·dation noun
• preliq·ui·dation noun
• reliq·ui·dation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of liquidation¹

First recorded in 1565–75; liquidate + -ion

Example Sentences

He’s been in the liquidation business since 1990, buying trailers full of unsold goods from importers or manufacturers and reselling them to discount retailers.

From Time

Adrian Lopez, owner of Big Savings Tool & Liquidation, five doors down from Young’s, concluded that the attack was racially motivated.

From Washington Post

The company said it will hold liquidation sales at all of its stores, as well as on its website, as it tries to clear out leftover inventory.

From Washington Post

He also notes the economic benefits of salvaging businesses that would otherwise face liquidation, saying Simon was helping save 4,000 jobs at Brooks Brothers.

From Ozy

“Liquidation” is a threat Memorial has heard before, and in the most sinister possible context.

From The Daily Beast

The liquidation closed all Hostess plants and bakeries and 15,000 employees were laid off immediately.

From The Daily Beast

The liquidation seems to have launched a similar frenzy regarding Twinkies.

From The Daily Beast

Hostess said it would have to file for liquidation if the bakers went on strike.

From The Daily Beast

But for a company on the verge of liquidation, this is good news.

From The Daily Beast

If they are destroyed by fire, the mortgagor cannot claim to have the insurance applied in liquidation of the mortgage debt.

From Project Gutenberg

You promise social liquidation, the revision of property and of public fortune and their better division.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the most shameful features in the French Government's war on the Church was the affair of liquidation.

From Project Gutenberg

While M. Combes would cast the blame on the liquidators, M. Briand fixed it on the method of liquidation.

From Project Gutenberg

The balance shall be reckoned toward liquidation of the amounts due for reparation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• clearance
• destruction
• eradication
• expulsion
• removal
• withdrawal