# disposable

/dɪˈspoʊzəbəɫ/ (US) · /dɪspˈəʊzəbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disposable
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. single-use

adjective · CEFR B2

made to be thrown away after you use it once.

For teachers: designed to be discarded after a single use rather than being cleaned, refilled, or repaired.

- The hotel provides disposable razors and toothbrushes for guests who forget theirs.
- Environmental groups are campaigning against the widespread use of disposable plastic cutlery in fast-food chains due to the resulting waste.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it describes.

### 2. available for use

adjective · CEFR B2

available for you to use or spend.

For teachers: available for use or expenditure; most commonly used in the phrase 'disposable income'.

- After paying his rent and bills, he didn't have much disposable income left.
- Economists noted a significant decrease in disposable income across the middle class as inflation outpaced wage growth.

Usage: Frequently collocates with 'income' or 'assets'.

### 3. a single-use item

noun · CEFR B2

an object that is designed to be used once and then thrown away.

For teachers: a product designed for one-time use, typically sold in bulk for convenience or hygiene.

- We bought a pack of disposables for the baby while we were traveling.
- The hospital switched to medical disposables to reduce the risk of cross-contamination between patients during routine procedures.

## Examples

- I prefer using a fountain pen over cheap disposable ones.
- The hospital uses disposable gloves to maintain a sterile environment and prevent the spread of infection.
- The rise of fast fashion has led to a culture of disposable clothing, where garments are worn only a few times before being discarded in landfills.

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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.