expendable

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​pend·​able ik-ˈspen-də-bəl How to pronounce expendable (audio)
: that may be expended: such as
a
: normally used up or consumed in service
expendable supplies like pencils and paper
b
: more easily or economically replaced than rescued, salvaged, or protected
expendability noun

expendable

2 of 2

noun

: one that is expendable
usually used in plural

Examples of expendable in a Sentence

Adjective employees whose jobs are considered expendable
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The situation is made worse when governments in the developed world violate environmental regulations or try to persuade citizens that the environment is expendable in light of national security concerns. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 2 Oct. 2025 Incoom’s steady rise throughout the summer, especially on special teams, made Johnson even more expendable. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
Back then, there were two key expendables and two gifts to offer up; now this system is practically a crafting and management sim all on its own. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025 So by the time Mace Windu, Kit Fisto, and a pair of Jedi expendables turn up to arrest the Chancellor (aka Darth Sidious) for orchestrating the entire Clone War, the damage has already been done. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expendable

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1805, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expendable was in 1805

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expendable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expendable. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

expendable

adjective
ex·​pend·​able
ik-ˈspen-də-bəl
: normally used up in service
expendable supplies like pencils and paper
expendability
-ˌspen-də-ˈbil-ət-ē
noun
expendable noun
expendably
-ˈspen-də-blē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on expendable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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