adj

expendable

ihk-SPEHN-duh-buhl

Expendable (adj) means Able to be used up or spent, especially without much concern. Example: “The budget included expendable supplies like paper and ink.”

adj

Able to be used up or spent, especially without much concern.

"The budget included expendable supplies like paper and ink."

Regarded as not essential and able to be sacrificed or discarded.

"In the mission, the soldiers were treated as expendable."

How to use expendable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething (or someone) that can be used up, discarded, or sacrificed without much loss.

Common pairings

expendable resources treated as expendable

Word forms

more expendable comparative, expendables plural, most expendable superlative

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The budget included _____ supplies like paper and ink.

Etymology

From expend + the adjective ending -able.

Rhymes for expendable

able fable cable table viable liable stable tenable parable affable amiable notable

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Frequently asked questions

What does “expendable” mean?

The word “expendable” means able to be used up or spent, especially without much concern. In plain terms, something (or someone) that can be used up, discarded, or sacrificed without much loss.

How do you pronounce “expendable”?

“Expendable” is pronounced ihk-SPEHN-duh-buhl (/ɪkˈspɛndəbəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “expendable” in a sentence?

Here is “expendable” used in a sentence: “The budget included expendable supplies like paper and ink.”

What part of speech is “expendable”?

“Expendable” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “expendable” have?

“Expendable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: able to be used up or spent, especially without much concern.