Repurposing: meaning, definitions and examples

Utilized when an item is used for a different purpose than it was originally intended. Often used in discussions about sustainability.

• He is repurposing an old ladder into a bookshelf.
• Repurposing empty jars as plant pots can save money and reduce waste.

Applied when an item is used again for the same purpose or in its original form, often without much modification. It emphasizes practicality and environmental conservation.

• Reusing shopping bags can help reduce plastic waste.
• She is reusing her old notebooks for her new project.

Used when upgrading old or discarded materials into products of higher quality or value. Frequently mentioned in eco-friendly and creative contexts.

• Upcycling old furniture can give it a new life.
• She is upcycling her grandma's vintage dress into a chic modern outfit.

Employed when an item undergoes significant change or alteration to serve a new form or function. It often implies a complete makeover or reconstruction.

• They are transforming the abandoned building into a community center.
• Transforming scrap materials into art is a popular trend.

Repurposing is used when you take something that was designed for one purpose and use it for a different one, often in a creative or resourceful way.

• They are repurposing old shipping containers into tiny homes
• The museum is repurposing its space to include a new exhibit

Modify is appropriate when you are making partial or minor changes to something, often for improvement or customization.

• She modified the recipe to make it vegan
• He modified the software to work on the new operating system

Adapt is suitable when you are making small changes to something so it can be used in a different situation or perform a different function.

• The company is adapting its services to meet the needs of international clients
• She adapted her old jacket for the colder weather by adding a lining

Convert implies a complete transformation of something into a different form, function, or property.

• They're converting the old train station into a shopping mall
• We need to convert these measurements from inches to centimeters