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Synonyms

liquidation

American  
[lik-wi-dey-shuhn] / ˌlɪk wɪˈdeɪ ʃən /

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 British  
/ ˌlɪkwɪˈdeɪʃən /

noun

    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 )

  1. destruction; elimination

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of liquidation

First recorded in 1565–75; liquidate + -ion

Vocabulary lists containing liquidation

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.

See Examples For:

Evergrande's 2021 default and the 2024 liquidation order by a Hong Kong court have become emblematic of the broader downturn in China's once-mighty property sector.

From Barron's Aug. 20, 2026

Evergrande was subsequently ordered into liquidation by a Hong Kong court in January 2024 after failing to present a viable restructuring plan.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 20, 2026

The Onion is seeking a license to operate Infowars as a parody site while right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ company faces liquidation for owing Sandy Hook families over $1 billion in defamation damages.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 14, 2026

Bosses say they "deeply regret" the effect on customers, after confirming GVI would be formally closing and going into liquidation on 1 July.

From BBC Jul. 11, 2026

On our way there, we learned that the underground resistance of the camp had made the decision not to abandon the Jews and to prevent their liquidation.

From "Night" by Elie Wiesel

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