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

But with new leadership, some analysts believe the only way is up, despite some challenges which might require plant closures and the elimination of brands. —Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Slated for elimination are: Ogden Dunes Fire Station at 111 Hillcrest Road in Ogden Dunes; the former Best Western, 6200 Melton Road, Portage; Hampton Inn & Suites at 1451 Silhavy Road in Valparaiso; and Boone Grove Middle School at 325 W. 550 S in Boone Grove. —Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025

That funding would save two of the 11 positions slated for elimination in the health department. —Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 28 June 2025

The Institute of Museum and Library Services, the primary source of federal library funding, has repeatedly faced threats of elimination. —Linda Johnson, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1627, 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