Expendable

/ɪkˈspɛndəbəl/ · adjective

Meaning

Able to be expended; not inexhaustible..

Definitions by Sense

1. Able to be expended; not inexhaustible.
2. Designed for a single use; not reusable.
3. Not essential or mandatory in order to achieve a goal.
4. Regarded as not worth preserving or saving; able to be sacrificed.
5. An expendable person or object; usually used in the plural.

Example Sentences

Oil and other expendable resources are frequently the subject of military disputes.

The anti-aircraft rocket is fired from an expendable launch platform.

The research department was deemed expendable, and its funding was not renewed.

In the internecine rivalries of large corporations, whole departments may become expendable in the execution of one executive's power play.

He was expendable, like commodities past their use.

The Taunton-Minehead line (now managed by the West Somerset Railway) was considered much more expendable.

Private Johnson was afraid the Lieutenant considered him an expendable, since he was always picked as point man.

Synonyms for expendable

Antonyms for expendable

Related Words

Word Forms

• more expendable
• most expendable
• expendables

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions