What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decommissioned
Example
The decommissioned nuclear power plant was turned into a tourist attraction. [decommissioned: adjective]
Example
The old battleship was decommissioned after years of service. [decommissioned: verb]
disused
Example
The disused factory was an eyesore in the middle of town. [disused: adjective]
Example
The disused railway line was overgrown with weeds and bushes. [disused: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disused is more commonly used in British English, while decommissioned is more commonly used in American English. Both words are less common in everyday language and are more likely to be used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between decommissioned and disused?
Decommissioned is more formal than disused, which is more casual and informal. However, both words can be used in a variety of formality levels depending on the context.
