What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dispensable
Example
The extra decorations on the cake are dispensable. [dispensable: adjective]
Example
The manager considered the employee dispensable and decided to terminate their contract. [dispensable: adjective]
Example
The company found that some of its expenses were dispensable and cut them to save money. [dispensable: adjective]
expendable
Example
The soldiers were sent on a mission with expendable equipment. [expendable: adjective]
Example
The company used expendable materials for its packaging to reduce costs. [expendable: adjective]
Example
The leader considered some of their followers expendable in order to achieve their political goals. [expendable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dispensable is more common in everyday language than expendable. Dispensable is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while expendable is more specific and commonly used in military or business contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dispensable and expendable?
Expendable is generally considered more formal than dispensable. It is often used in technical or specialized contexts, while dispensable can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
