elimination

noun

elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌli-mə-ˈnā-shən 

often attributive

: the act, process, or an instance of eliminating or discharging: such as

a

: the act of discharging or excreting waste products from the body

b

: the removal from a molecule of the constituents of a simpler molecule

ethylene is formed by the elimination of water from ethanol

compare addition sense 4

Examples of elimination in a Sentence

the elimination of waste products from the body

Recent Examples on the Web

Target did some light trimming in the quarter with the elimination of 1,800 corporate positions, laying off 1,000 employees and electing not to fill 800 previously vacant positions. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 26 Dec. 2025

Botox, acupuncture, anti-seizure medications, elimination diets, homeopathic remedies. —Alexis Barad-Cutler, SELF, 23 Dec. 2025

The elimination of the federal electric vehicle tax incentive also keeps the Buzz from being any more affordable for drivers. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025

Since his team’s elimination from the postseason at the hands of the Yankees, Breslow has reiterated the need for more power in the lineup. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 23 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing elimination

• process of elimination

Rhymes for elimination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

elimination

noun

elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌlim-ə-ˈnā-shən 

: the act or process of eliminating or emptying: as

a

: the act of excreting or emptying waste products from the body

b

: the act or process of excluding from a match, game, or contest the losers of any round or heat

Medical Definition

elimination

noun

elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌlim-ə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of discharging or excreting waste products or foreign substances from the body

2

eliminations plural : bodily discharges including urine, feces, and vomit

3

: the removal from a molecule of the constituents of a simpler molecule

ethylene is formed by the elimination of water from ethanol