# discontinuation

/ˌdɪskənˌtɪnjuˈeɪʃən/ (US) · /dˌɪskəntˌɪnjuːˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/discontinuation
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a complete stop to something that was happening before, like a medicine, a product, or a service. You see it when a company stops making something or a doctor stops a treatment.

For teachers: ending or stopping of a process, treatment, product line, or service that was previously ongoing. Often used in medical and commercial contexts to mark a deliberate halt rather than a temporary pause.

## Examples

- They announce the discontinuation of the old bus route.
- Her doctor recommends the gradual discontinuation of the sleeping pills to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- Following declining sales and supply chain difficulties, the manufacturer confirmed the permanent discontinuation of its heritage line, prompting collectors to acquire remaining stock.

## Antonyms

continuation

## Usage notes

- Often followed by 'of' plus a noun phrase, as in 'discontinuation of treatment'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.