Expendable: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• In war, soldiers are often treated as expendable resources.
• The batteries in the remote are expendable, and we can replace them easily.

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.

• The broken part on your car is easily replaceable.
• His skills were replaceable, so it wasn't hard to find a new employee.

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.

• Disposable masks became very popular during the pandemic.
• We used disposable plates for the picnic so we wouldn't have to wash dishes.

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.

• The ancient ritual involved a sacrificial offering.
• In business, there are sometimes sacrificial projects to focus on more important ones.

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.

• They considered some supplies as expendable during the mission.
• In war, some soldiers are viewed as expendable by their superiors.

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.

• He made the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life for his country.
• Parents often sacrifice a lot for their children’s futures.

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.

• The earthquake resulted in numerous casualties.
• He was the first casualty of the battle.

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.

• She felt like a pawn in their political game.
• In chess, pawns are usually the first pieces to be moved.