Throwaway: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that is meant to be used once and then thrown away. It often carries a negative connotation regarding environmental impact.

• He prefers not to buy throwaway products because they generate a lot of waste.
• The throwaway culture is contributing significantly to pollution.

Commonly used for items designed for a single use and then disposed of. It can be neutral or negative depending on the context, often associated with convenience and wastefulness.

• They used disposable plates for the picnic to avoid washing dishes.
• Disposable masks have become a necessity during the pandemic.

Used when referring to items that can be easily discarded or thrown away, but without the same environmental implications as 'throwaway'. It can also mean something that is unimportant or unnecessary.

• These old papers are discardable; you can throw them away.
• She treated the old clothes as discardable items.

Specifically used for items intended for one use only, often in a context of environmental concern.

• Countries are banning single-use plastics to reduce pollution.
• Single-use water bottles are convenient but harmful to the environment.

This word is often used to describe something that is meant to be discarded after a single use, or to signify a casual, offhand comment. It can have a somewhat negative connotation when referring to things that easily get discarded.

• He made a throwaway remark that wasn't meant to be taken seriously
• The festival provided throwaway cups that ended up littering the park

Use this word when describing something that is not permanent and is only meant to last for a limited amount of time. It's generally neutral and can describe jobs, living situations, conditions, etc.

• Her position at the company is only temporary
• We need a temporary solution until we can find a permanent fix

Use this word when describing something or someone whose identity is unknown or concealed. It can refer to authorship, donations, or any situation where privacy is maintained.

• The letter was signed by an anonymous sender
• She made an anonymous donation to the charity

This word typically refers to items designed for single-use, often to emphasize their convenience but also the waste they create. It often has a practical, commercial use and can carry a negative environmental connotation.

• Disposable gloves are used in many medical settings
• After the picnic, they threw away all the disposable utensils

This word is often used to describe something that is done or said without much thought or effort, usually in a dismissive manner. It can have a negative connotation, implying something is insignificant or trivial.

• He made a throwaway comment about the weather.
• They published a throwaway article with no in-depth analysis.

Used to indicate a relaxed and informal situation or manner. It can also describe something done without any special focus or intention.

• She was dressed in casual clothes for the picnic.
• They had a casual conversation about their weekend plans.

This word describes doing or saying something without preparation or consideration, and it often carries a slightly negative tone, suggesting a lack of respect or seriousness.

• His offhand remark about the project upset many team members.
• She gave an offhand response, not realizing how important the question was.

Used to directly describe something that lacks significance or value.

• The details of the meeting were unimportant and easily forgotten.
• He considered her concerns unimportant and didn’t address them.