disposable

American  

[dih-spoh-zuh-buhl] / dɪˈspoʊ zə bəl /

adjective

1. designed for or capable of being thrown away after being used or used up.

   disposable plastic spoons; a disposable cigarette lighter.

2. free for use; available.

   Every disposable vehicle was sent.

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noun

1. something disposable after a single use, as a paper cup, plate, or napkin.

disposable British  

/ dɪˈspəʊzəbəl /

adjective

1. designed for disposal after use

   disposable cups

2. available for use if needed

   disposable assets

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noun

1. something, such as a baby's nappy, that is designed for disposal

2. (plural) short for disposable goods

Other Word Forms

• disposability noun
• disposableness noun
• disposably adverb
• nondisposable adjective

Etymology

Origin of disposable

First recorded in 1645–55; dispose + -able

Example Sentences

Growth drivers include increasing chronic kidney disease prevalence, better affordability supported by public health programs, and rising disposable incomes.

From The Wall Street Journal

To be sure, the amount of households’ disposable income that goes toward gasoline has fallen over the years—muting the impact of higher prices on total aggregate spending trends.

From Barron's

Energy Information Administration forecast that households will spend 2.1% of their disposable income on energy costs in the first quarter, compared with 1.2% at the end of last year, according to an early-March outlook.

From MarketWatch

“We do not make disposable clothing,” Yanai said in the company’s last annual report.

From Los Angeles Times

"If we can transform the sense of guilt ordinary consumers may feel about using disposable products into something positive, and make using recycled products the norm in society, it will become economically viable," he said.

From Barron's

Related Words

• superfluous
• unimportant