disposable

/dəˈspoʊzəbəl/

/dɪsˈpʌʊzəbəl/

Other forms: disposables

Something disposable is not meant to last. It's OK to throw it out after you use it.

Disposable diapers are a good example of what the word disposable is all about: after the diaper is used, it goes straight into the trash, and you can't use it again. Something disposable is replaceable. If a boss decides an employee is disposable, that means the employee will probably be fired. As you can imagine, people don't like to feel disposable. Lots of people don't like products that are disposable either. Disposing of things just creates more garbage, which is bad for the environment. Usually, things that are recyclable are better.

Definitions of disposable

1. noun

   an item that can be disposed of after it has been used
   type of:

   item

   a whole individual unit; especially when included in a list or collection
2. adjective

   designed to be disposed of after use
   “disposable paper cups”

   synonyms:

   throwaway

   intended to be thrown away after use

   antonyms:

   nondisposable

   not designed to be thrown away after use
3. adjective

   free or available for use or disposition
   “every disposable piece of equipment was sent to the fire”

   “disposable assets”

   synonyms:

   available, usable, useable

   convenient for use or disposal

   expendable, spendable

   (used of funds) remaining after taxes

   fluid, liquid

   in cash or easily convertible to cash

   antonyms:

   nondisposable

   (of assets) unavailable for use

   frozen

   not convertible to cash