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

Axios White men might be hurt by the elimination of DEI in college admissions. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2025

The elimination of free entrance on two federal holidays honoring African Americans represents a reduced emphasis on Black American history. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 8 Dec. 2025

In the round of 32, the runner-up finisher in USA’s Group D will play its first elimination game at AT&T Stadium on July 3 against the runner-up finisher in Group G (Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand). —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Dec. 2025

The top two teams from each group will advance to the final elimination tournament. —Mason Leath, ABC News, 5 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