Word
consumable
Phoneticscon·sum·able
US/kənˈsuməbəɫ/
UK/kənsˈuːməbəl/
Definition
adj. able to be eaten, drunk, or used up, so you need to get more.
adj. capable of being eaten, drunk, or depleted through use, typically requiring regular replacement.
Examples
“Printer ink is consumable and runs out fast.”
“The office orders extra consumable supplies like paper and toner each month.”
“Unlike durable equipment, consumable lab reagents degrade with each test and require careful inventory control.”
Examples
simple
“Printer ink is consumable and runs out fast.”
contextual
“The office orders extra consumable supplies like paper and toner each month.”
complex
“Unlike durable equipment, consumable lab reagents degrade with each test and require careful inventory control.”
Real-World Examples
“Providers can charge for meals and snacks, and consumables such as nappies or sun cream, as part of a free entitlement place, but these charges must be voluntary.” “It said it was hoping to tackle nutrition and obesity problems, with investors also inspired by the success of businesses like Nespresso which blend a one-time sale of hardware with repeat sales of consumables.” “Because propellant is the spacecraft's main consumable resource, every kilogram saved during its journey can potentially translate into additional years of scientific observations.” “The only costs would be propellant (perhaps $1.5 million per launch for liquid oxygen, methane, and other consumables) and personnel to manufacture and maintain the rockets and ground support equipment.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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