Expendable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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expendable
[ษชkหspษndษbษl ]
Definitions
use in a sentence
Considered to be of little value and able to be sacrificed if necessary.
Synonyms
disposable, replaceable, sacrificial.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| expendable |
Used for something or someone that can be used up or sacrificed without too much loss. Often in a negative or neutral sense, especially to emphasize that something or someone is not very important in the grand scheme.
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| replaceable |
Used for something that can easily be replaced or substituted with an identical or similar item, often implying that it is not unique or highly valuable.
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| disposable |
Used for items that are meant to be thrown away after a single use or a short period of use. Often used for consumer products and implies convenience.
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| sacrificial |
Used for something that is given up or destroyed as a sacrifice, often to achieve a greater goal. This can have a solemn or serious tone.
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Examples of usage
- The soldiers were seen as expendable in the eyes of the general.
- In a time of crisis, some resources may be deemed expendable for the greater good.
use in a sentence
A person or thing that is considered of little value and can be sacrificed if necessary.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| expendable |
This term is used to describe something or someone that can be used up or consumed and then replaced. It often implies something or someone not considered essential or crucial.
|
| sacrifice |
This term is used when something valuable is given up, usually for the sake of something else or for a greater good. It implies a voluntary act of giving up something important.
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| casualty |
This term is typically used to refer to someone who is injured, killed, or otherwise adversely affected during an event such as a war, accident, or disaster. The term often carries a somber, serious tone.
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| pawn |
This term often refers to someone who is being used or manipulated by others, usually in a negative sense. It can also refer to a chess piece of low value.
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Examples of usage
- The intern felt like an expendable in the large corporation.
- In war, soldiers are often treated as expendables by those in power.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Military Context
- In the military, expendable items often refer to weapons or supplies that are used in combat and not expected to be recovered.
- Troops can also be described as expendable if they are viewed as being easily replaced.
- The concept of expendability raises ethical questions about the value of human life in warfare.
Film and Media
- Expendable is famously associated with action films like 'The Expendables', which features characters that are tough but often face dangerous situations.
- The term has become a cultural reference for heroes who take big risks and are often ready to sacrifice themselves.
- Many movies and TV shows play with the notion of expendable side characters who may not survive the plot.
Economics
- In business, expendable resources are those assets that can be sacrificed without significant loss.
- Companies often focus on optimizing expendable costs to improve profitability.
- Examples include materials or personnel that can be scaled up or down based on demand.
Origin of 'expendable'
Main points about word origin
- The word originated from the Latin 'expendere', which means to weigh out or spend.
- It appeared in English around the early 20th century, primarily in military contexts.
- The root 'pendere' means 'to hang', reflecting the idea of weighing options before using something.
The word 'expendable' originated from the Latin word 'expendere', which means 'to weigh out, to pay down'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-16th century. Over time, 'expendable' has come to describe something or someone that is considered of little value and can be sacrificed if needed. The term gained popularity in the context of military operations and resource management.
See also: expending, expenditure, expenditures.