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

Dietary magnesium deficiency is uncommon because the kidneys limit the mineral's elimination through urine. —Laura Schober, Health, 5 Jan. 2026

Upon the Dolphins’ elimination from playoff contention this season with three weeks remaining, Tagovailoa was benched in favor of rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers for the final stretch. —David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026

Facing elimination, Rodgers led the Steelers downfield on an eight-play, 60-yard touchdown drive. —Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026

Higgins also criticized the earlier elimination of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans, calling the move reckless and dangerous, and said ongoing instability in Venezuela makes clear the country remains unsafe for people to return. —Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 3 Jan. 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