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

In 2008, she was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace, with a goal to advocate for the elimination of violence against women. —Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026

Facing elimination, the Magic steamrolled the Hornets and clinched their spot in the NBA Playoffs for the third year in a row. —Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2026

Banchero made more than half of his attempts and scored 25 points against the Hornets, bouncing back after missing 15 of 22 shots and turning the ball over six times in a loss to the 76ers that put the Magic on the brink of elimination. —CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026

The silence that follows an elimination is always deafening. —Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2026

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