What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decimation
Example
The plague decimated the population of the city. [decimated: past tense verb]
Example
The company's profits were decimated by the economic downturn. [decimated: past participle adjective]
elimination
Example
The vaccine led to the elimination of the disease. [elimination: noun]
Example
We need to eliminate this issue before it becomes a bigger problem. [eliminate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Elimination is more commonly used than decimation in everyday language, as it has a broader range of applications and a more positive connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between decimation and elimination?
Both decimation and elimination can be used in formal contexts, but decimation may be perceived as more dramatic or emotional due to its severe connotation.
