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Decommissioning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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decommissioning

[diːkəˈmɪʃənɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

nuclear power plants

The process of safely closing down a nuclear power plant, managing the radioactive materials, and restoring the site to a non-nuclear state.

Synonyms

closure, disposal, shut down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decommissioning

Usually refers to the formal process of taking a piece of machinery, equipment, or facility, especially in the military or nuclear industries, out of service and making it safe. It often involves detailed plans and regulatory oversight.

  • The decommissioning of the old nuclear reactor was a top priority for the city council.
  • They spent several years working on the decommissioning process to ensure environmental safety.
closure

Used to describe the end or termination of a service, business, or facility, often due to financial issues, strategic moves, or completion of its lifecycle. It carries a more general meaning compared to 'decommissioning'.

  • The sudden closure of the local bookstore left the community shocked.
  • Factory closures in the region have led to increased unemployment.
shut down

Commonly used to informally describe the act of turning off or ceasing operations of a machine, computer, or facility. It can also refer to closing a business or service, generally with a more temporary or straightforward connotation.

  • They had to shut down the computer system for maintenance.
  • Due to a lack of funds, the community center was forced to shut down.
disposal

Relates to the act of getting rid of something, usually waste, in a safe and environmentally appropriate manner. It is often used in contexts related to waste management.

  • Proper disposal of hazardous materials is critical to environmental health.
  • The company adopted new disposal methods for their industrial waste.

Examples of usage

  • Decommissioning of nuclear power plants is a complex and costly process.
  • After decommissioning, the site must undergo extensive monitoring to ensure safety.
  • The government oversees the decommissioning of nuclear facilities to prevent environmental contamination.
Context #2 | Verb

nuclear facilities

To officially take a nuclear facility out of service, remove radioactive materials, and clean up the site for alternative use.

Synonyms

deactivate, dismantle, retire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decommissioning

Use this term when officially taking a facility or piece of equipment out of active service, typically for formal and procedural contexts, such as the military or nuclear facilities.

  • The government announced the decommissioning of the old power plant due to safety concerns
retire

Appropriate when discussing the end of use for something or someone, often permanently. It’s commonly used for people ending their careers, but also for equipment or products that are no longer in use.

  • The company decided to retire the old software version next month
dismantle

Used when physical components are taken apart piece by piece, often for machinery, equipment, or structures.

  • The workers started to dismantle the old bridge to make way for the new construction
deactivate

Better suited for contexts where something is being temporarily or permanently switched off, like machinery, systems, or accounts.

  • After the project ended, the team decided to deactivate the test server

Examples of usage

  • The company decided to decommission the old nuclear reactor.
  • It will take several years to decommission the entire facility.
  • The government allocated funds for decommissioning the nuclear plant.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Military History

  • Military installations and bases often undergo decommissioning to reduce operational costs after wars end.
  • Naval ships are decommissioned when they age or become obsolete, often leading to their dismantling.
  • The Cold War era saw many nuclear weapons being decommissioned, reflecting global disarmament efforts.

Environmental Impact

  • Decommissioning often involves environmentally safe disposal methods, especially in industries like nuclear power.
  • Dismantling industrial facilities can prevent pollution and promote sustainable use of land.
  • The process may include cleaning contaminated sites to restore them for future use.

Technology

  • With rapid technological advancements, equipment in sectors like IT often undergoes decommissioning to make way for new systems.
  • Software decommissioning involves phasing out programs that are outdated or no longer meet security standards.
  • This process prevents potential security risks associated with maintaining unsupported technology.

Literature and Media

  • Books and films often depict decommissioning in the context of heroes retiring their old equipment for newer adventures.
  • Popular culture reflects on decommissioning through themes of letting go, as characters face the end of an era.
  • The concept is often used metaphorically to illustrate personal transitions or changes in life's direction.

Origin of 'decommissioning'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'de-' means to remove or reverse, while 'commission' refers to the act of giving a task or duty.
  • The term originated in the context of military equipment and ships, indicating they are taken out of service.
  • Combining these parts creates a word that literally conveys the idea of removing a function or duty.

The term 'decommissioning' originated in the context of nuclear power plants and facilities. It became prominent with the growth of the nuclear industry in the mid-20th century. Decommissioning ensures the safe closure and cleanup of nuclear sites, reducing environmental risks and hazards. The process involves regulatory oversight, technical expertise, and long-term monitoring to prevent radiation exposure. Decommissioning has evolved as a crucial aspect of nuclear energy management and environmental protection.

See also: commissionaire, commissioner.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,433, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.