What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dispensability
Example
The company realized the dispensability of certain positions and decided to downsize. [dispensability: noun]
Example
The extra features on the product were deemed dispensable and removed to reduce costs. [dispensable: adjective]
expendability
Example
The soldiers were trained to accept their expendability in the face of danger. [expendability: noun]
Example
The company viewed the outdated equipment as expendable and planned to replace it soon. [expendable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dispensability is more commonly used than expendability in everyday language. Dispensability is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts, while expendability is more specific and often associated with negative situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dispensability and expendability?
Both dispensability and expendability are formal terms that are more likely to be used in academic, business, or professional settings rather than casual conversations.