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 company found that some employees were dispensable and could be let go. [dispensable: adjective]
replaceable
Example
The broken part in the machine is replaceable. [replaceable: adjective]
Example
The departing employee is replaceable and will be replaced by someone else. [replaceable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Replaceable is more commonly used than dispensable in everyday language. Replaceable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dispensable is less common and refers to something that is not essential or necessary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dispensable and replaceable?
Both dispensable and replaceable are relatively formal words, but replaceable can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while dispensable is more commonly used in formal writing.