What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cessation
Example
The company announced the cessation of all operations due to financial difficulties. [cessation: noun]
Example
He decided to take a break from smoking, hoping for a cessation of his addiction. [cessation: gerund or present participle]
discontinuation
Example
The company announced the discontinuation of their old model and introduced a new and improved version. [discontinuation: noun]
Example
Due to low demand, the store decided to discontinue selling that particular product. [discontinue: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cessation is more commonly used than discontinuation in everyday language. Cessation is versatile and can be applied to various contexts, while discontinuation is more specific and often used in professional or business settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cessation and discontinuation?
Both cessation and discontinuation can be used in formal or professional contexts. However, discontinuation may sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, while cessation is generally more neutral in tone.