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Synonyms

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.


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

"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

noun

  1. something, such as a baby's nappy, that is designed for disposal

  2. (plural) short for disposable goods

"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

Other Word Forms

  • disposability noun
  • disposableness noun
  • disposably adverb
  • nondisposable adjective

Etymology

Origin of disposable

First recorded in 1645–55; dispose + -able

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.

Weapons systems have evolved from disposable purchases to multi-decade ecosystems nowadays.

From MarketWatch

The World Bank estimates China’s household saving rate exceeded 30% of disposable income in 2025 — far higher than rates in most developed economies.

From MarketWatch

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