# eradicated

/ɪˈɹædəˌkeɪtɪd/ (US) · /ɪɹˈædɪkˌeɪtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/eradicated
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

describing something that has been completely destroyed or removed so it can never return. It is often used for diseases or social problems that are gone forever.

For teachers: completely destroyed or eliminated; refers to the total removal of something undesirable. Often used as a participial adjective to describe the status of a disease or social ill.

## Examples

- Smallpox is an eradicated disease.
- Public health officials celebrated when the virus was declared eradicated in the region after years of vaccination efforts.
- The report highlighted several once-common infections that have been effectively eradicated through rigorous international cooperation and sustained funding for preventative medicine.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb or appears before a noun to describe a permanent state of removal.

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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.