Eliminating: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in general situations where something needs to be removed or ended, often in competition or problem-solving.

• The company is focused on eliminating waste from the production process.
• Our team is eliminating the opposition in the tournament.

Used in more neutral situations where something is taken away from a place or situation without implying complete destruction.

• Please remove your shoes before entering the house.
• They removed the old furniture from the living room.

Typically used when referring to removing data, memories, or markings completely, often with the desire to make it as though it never existed.

• She tried to erase the mistake from the chalkboard.
• They worked hard to erase the negative memories from their past.

Usually used in the context of killing pests or unwanted creatures in a way that implies total destruction. It often has a strong, negative connotation.

• The house was infested with termites, so we had to exterminate them.
• The regime sought to exterminate opposition groups.

Applicable in situations where something is destroyed completely, often in a dramatic or total sense. It can have negative connotations.

• The army aimed to annihilate the enemy forces.
• The hurricane annihilated the small island community.

Use this in formal or neutral contexts, often in the sense of completely removing or getting rid of something.

• They are focusing on eliminating waste in the production process.
• The team is working on eliminating errors in the software.

This is often used in informal contexts or sports, specifically boxing, to describe rendering someone unconscious or eliminating them from competition.

• He delivered a powerful punch and knocked out his opponent.
• They were knocked out of the tournament in the first round.

Use this when describing the act of winning against someone in a competitive situation, such as sports, games, or arguments.

• The team suffered a crushing defeat in the final match.
• She managed to defeat her opponent after a long debate.

Use this when talking about removing someone from a position of power or authority, often in a political or formal context. Has a slightly negative or forceful implication.

• The board voted to oust the CEO after the scandal.
• Protesters are demanding to oust the corrupt officials.