expendable Meaning & Definition
What Does Expendable Mean?
As an adjective, expendable means Able to be expended; not inexhaustible. It is also used to mean Designed for a single use; not reusable. As a noun, it means An expendable person or object; usually used in the plural.
Expendable at a Glance
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ɪkˈspɛndəbəl// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | disposable, consumable and spendable |
| Antonyms | unexpendable |
| Plural | expendables |
| Comparative / superlative | more expendable, most expendable |
Expendable Definition (Adjective)
- Able to be expended; not inexhaustible.
Oil and other expendable resources are frequently the subject of military disputes.
- Designed for a single use; not reusable.
The anti-aircraft rocket is fired from an expendable launch platform.
- Not essential or mandatory in order to achieve a goal.
The research department was deemed expendable, and its funding was not renewed.
- Regarded as not worth preserving or saving; able to be sacrificed.
In the internecine rivalries of large corporations, whole departments may become expendable in the execution of one executive's power play.
Expendable as a Noun
- An expendable person or object; usually used in the plural.
Private Johnson was afraid the Lieutenant considered him an expendable, since he was always picked as point man.
Synonyms of Expendable
Expendable synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Expendable
Expendable in a Sentence
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.
Private Johnson was afraid the Lieutenant considered him an expendable, since he was always picked as point man.
Word Forms & Grammar
expendable (comparative more expendable, superlative most expendable)
expendable (plural expendables)
Words That Rhyme With Expendable
Origin of Expendable
From expend + -able.
Expendable Pronunciation
Expendable is pronounced //ɪkˈspɛndəbəl// and has 1 syllable.
Quick Answers About Expendable
Is expendable an adjective or a noun?
Expendable is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for expendable?
Close synonyms of expendable are disposable, consumable and spendable. See the full list of expendable synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of expendable?
The opposite of expendable is unexpendable.
What is the plural of expendable?
The plural of expendable is expendables.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of expendable?
The comparative form is more expendable and the superlative form is most expendable.