Disposal: meaning, definitions and examples

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disposal

 

[ dɪˈspəʊzəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

waste management

The action or process of getting rid of something; the process of throwing away or destroying something.

Synonyms

disposition, elimination, removal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disposal

Use when talking about getting rid of trash, waste, or unwanted items, usually in a formal or official setting.

  • Proper disposal of hazardous waste is critical.
  • The factory is responsible for the disposal of its industrial waste.
disposition

Use when referring to a person's usual mood, attitude, or the tendency to deal with certain subjects or situations.

  • She has a cheerful disposition.
  • His disposition towards hard work has always been admirable.
elimination

Use in situations involving the removal of something completely, often to solve a problem or to win a competition, and can sometimes have a negative connotation.

  • The elimination of the weak teams was inevitable.
  • The project aims at the elimination of poverty in the region.
removal

Use when discussing the action of taking something or someone away from a place, usually in a neutral or practical manner.

  • The removal of the old furniture will take place tomorrow.
  • The doctor recommended the removal of the infected tissue.

Examples of usage

  • Household waste disposal is a major environmental issue.
  • The proper disposal of hazardous materials is crucial for public safety.
  • We need to improve our methods of waste disposal to protect the environment.
Context #2 | Noun

availability for use

The act of getting rid of something or giving it away; the act of making something available for use.

Synonyms

allocation, distribution, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disposal

Use this when talking about getting rid of something, usually rubbish, waste, or unwanted items. It can also offer the idea of having control over something valuable.

  • The proper disposal of hazardous waste is crucial for environmental safety
  • After the project was completed, he had several assets at his disposal
distribution

This word is ideal for talking about spreading or handing out items or information across a wide area or to a large number of people. Usually suggests a systematic or organized spreading.

  • The distribution of food and water to the affected areas began immediately after the disaster
  • The company specializes in the distribution of books worldwide
allocation

This is best used when talking about assigning specific resources, time, or funds to particular tasks, people, or departments. It implies a planned and organized distribution.

  • The allocation of funds to the new project was approved yesterday
  • He was responsible for the allocation of tasks among team members
transfer

Use this when discussing moving something or someone from one place, person, or situation to another. Often used in contexts like moving employees, money, or data.

  • He requested a transfer to the New York office
  • The funds were transferred to her account on Monday

Examples of usage

  • The disposal of company assets is a complex process.
  • He made the land available for disposal to the local community.
  • I no longer have any disposal of my old furniture.
Context #3 | Noun

control over someone

The power to make decisions about someone or something; the authority to decide what should happen to someone or something.

Synonyms

authority, control, dominion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disposal

Also used when referring to having availability or access to resources or services that one can use.

  • He has a fleet of cars at his disposal.
  • She placed all the necessary tools at our disposal.
control

Appropriate for describing the power to influence or direct behavior, tasks, or processes.

  • The manager has control over the hiring process.
  • She took control of the situation and brought it to a resolution.
authority

Best used when referring to someone or something with official power to make decisions or give orders.

  • She has the authority to approve the budget.
  • The principal is the highest authority in the school.
dominion

Often used in more formal or historical contexts to denote supreme authority or control over a territory or domain.

  • The king's dominion extended over several provinces.
  • They established their dominion through military conquest.

Examples of usage

  • He has complete disposal over the company's finances.
  • The dictator has disposal over the lives of his citizens.
  • The government has disposal over the use of public funds.

Translations

Translations of the word "disposal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 eliminação

🇮🇳 निपटान

🇩🇪 Entsorgung

🇮🇩 pembuangan

🇺🇦 утилізація

🇵🇱 utylizacja

🇯🇵 処分 (しょぶん)

🇫🇷 élimination

🇪🇸 eliminación

🇹🇷 bertaraf

🇰🇷 처리 (처리)

🇸🇦 التخلص

🇨🇿 likvidace

🇸🇰 likvidácia

🇨🇳 处置 (chǔzhì)

🇸🇮 odstranitev

🇮🇸 förgun

🇰🇿 жою

🇬🇪 გადაყრა

🇦🇿 atılma

🇲🇽 eliminación

Etymology

The word 'disposal' originates from the Old French word 'desposaille', which means 'arrangement'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the sense of 'ordering' or 'arrangement'. Over time, it evolved to include the meaning of 'getting rid of something' or 'making something available for use'. The term has been used in various contexts, from waste management to decision-making authority.

See also: disposability, disposable, disposableness, disposed, disposer, disposing, dispossession, indisposition, predisposition.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,866, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.