Discontinuation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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discontinuation

[ˌdɪskənˌtɪnjuˈeɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

business decision

The action of ending or stopping something, especially a product or service that is no longer being produced or offered.

Synonyms

cessation, halt, stoppage, termination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
discontinuation	Formal situations, often used in medical or organizational contexts to indicate a planned or deliberate stop. The discontinuation of the medication should be monitored carefully The project faced discontinuation due to budget cuts
termination	Formal and impactful situations such as employment, contracts, or processes, usually indicating a final and irrevocable end. Can carry a negative connotation depending on the context. The termination of his contract left him unemployed The company faced termination of its operations due to bankruptcy
cessation	Formal situations, typically used in legal, medical, or diplomatic contexts to denote an end, often abrupt or complete curtailment. The cessation of hostilities was declared by both parties Smoking cessation programs aim to help people quit smoking
halt	Informal and formal situations where a temporary or sudden stop is required. Can be used in numerous contexts including emergencies or machinery. The train came to a sudden halt due to an obstacle on the tracks The project was halted due to unexpected financial issues
stoppage	Often used in industry, sports, or labor contexts, indicating a temporary pause, typically due to external factors. There was a stoppage in the factory's production line A stoppage time was added to the soccer match

Examples of usage

The discontinuation of the popular smartphone model caused a lot of disappointment among customers.
Due to financial reasons, the company announced the discontinuation of its oldest product line.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

medical field

The act of ceasing or interrupting the use of a medication, treatment, or therapy.

Synonyms

cessation, cessation, interruption, stoppage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
discontinuation	Used in formal or official contexts, often related to policies, procedures, or prolonged actions. The discontinuation of the service was announced last week The drug's discontinuation led to significant public concern
cessation	Employ in a formal context when referring to the end of an action, often in legal, medical, or conflict-related circumstances. The cessation of hostilities was declared at midnight The doctor advised cessation of smoking to improve health
interruption	Best used when describing temporary halts or breaks in activities, processes, or communication. There was an interruption in the power supply The speech was interrupted by loud applause
stoppage	Often used in the context of physical or mechanical processes, strikes or work-related halts, sometimes carrying a negative connotation. The machine stoppage caused a delay in production The workers organized a stoppage to protest against the new policy

Examples of usage

The doctor advised against sudden discontinuation of the medication to avoid adverse effects.
After the discontinuation of the treatment, the patient experienced a relapse of symptoms.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Discontinuation of therapy can sometimes lead to anxiety in clients who depend on the support provided.
Studies show that sudden discontinuation of medication without professional guidance can result in withdrawal symptoms and a return of stress or anxiety.
Psychologists suggest a gradual approach to discontinuation in therapy to help clients adjust positively.

Business

In the corporate world, product discontinuation happens frequently due to low demand, high production costs, or strategic shifts.
Companies may announce discontinuation plans to refocus on core products or to introduce new innovations.
Discontinuation can not only affect the company's bottom line but also influence customer loyalty and brand perception.

Education

Discontinuation of certain educational programs can occur due to changes in funding, student interest, or curriculum updates.
The impact of discontinuing popular subjects can lead to unrest among students and parents, often prompting protests or petitions.
Educational institutions may also face challenges in adapting to a landscape where certain fields become obsolete.

Technology

In the tech industry, software discontinued by companies may no longer receive updates or user support, pushing users to seek alternatives.
The concept of discontinuation often applies to outdated technologies, like older operating systems that manufacturers phase out gradually.
Some iconic tech products, once discontinued, may gain a cult following, leading to vintage markets where enthusiasts seek them out.

Origin of 'discontinuation'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from the Latin 'discontinuare', which combines 'dis-' (meaning 'apart') and 'continuare' (meaning 'to continue').
In the 14th century, it began to be used in English to signify an interruption in a process.
The prefix 'dis-' often implies a negation, making the word denote a breaking or halting of continuity.

The word 'discontinuation' originated from the verb 'discontinue', which dates back to the late 15th century. The prefix 'dis-' denotes a negative or opposite meaning, while 'continue' comes from the Latin word 'continuare', meaning 'to join together'. Over time, 'discontinue' evolved into 'discontinuation', commonly used in various fields such as business, medicine, and technology.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,625, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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