DISPOSABLE definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary (2025)

COBUILD frequency band

disposable

(dɪspoʊzəbəl )

Word forms: plural disposables

1.adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] B2

A disposable product is designed to be thrown away after it has been used.

...disposable nappies suitable for babies up to 8lb.

He shaved himself with a disposable razor.

Synonyms: throwaway, paper, plastic, one-use More Synonyms of disposable

Disposable products can be referred to as disposables.

It's estimated that around 80 per cent of babies wear disposables.

2.adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Your disposable income is the amount of income you have left after you have paid income tax and social security charges.

Gerald had little disposable income.

The nation's disposable earnings in 1987 amounted to £586 billion.

Synonyms: available, expendable, free for use, consumable More Synonyms of disposable

British English pronunciation

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American English pronunciation

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disposable in British English

(dɪˈspəʊzəbəl )

adjective

designed for disposal after use

disposable cups

available for use if needed

disposable assets

noun

something, such as a baby's nappy, that is designed for disposal

4.(plural) short for disposable goods

Derived forms

disposability (disˌposaˈbility) or disposableness (disˈposableness)

noun

COBUILD frequency band

disposable in American English

(dɪˈspoʊzəbəl )

adjective

that can be or is intended to be thrown away after use

disposable bottles

that can be disposed of

available to use without restriction

noun

something that can be or is intended to be disposed of, or thrown away, after use

usually used in pl.

COBUILD frequency band

disposable in American English

(dɪˈspouzəbəl)

adjective

designed for or capable of being thrown away after being used or used up

disposable plastic spoons

a disposable cigarette lighter

free for use; available

Every disposable vehicle was sent

noun

something disposable after a single use, as a paper cup, plate, or napkin

Derived forms

disposability or disposableness

noun

disposably

adverb

Word origin

[1645–55; dispose + -able]

Examples of 'disposable' in a sentence

disposable

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If you did you would not be pushing up demand for an inherently disposable product.

The Guardian (2015)

People give from their disposable income.

The Guardian (2016)

She spends most of her disposable income on her allotment.

The Guardian (2021)

The middle class is growing and people have more disposable income.

The Guardian (2020)

In the modern world, photography is instantly disposable.

The Guardian (2015)

So there goes your disposable income to have a little fun.

Times, Sunday Times (2008)

They must look at how much disposable cash people have left after credit card bills and other loans are paid off.

The Sun (2009)

Soaring fuel bills were responsible for the first decline in families' disposable income in a year.

Times, Sunday Times (2013)

If not, regular mums like me will cut you down to size faster than we can make up formula milk or change a disposable nappy.

The Sun (2013)

He said with pay rising by around two per cent, disposable cash was set to rise by more in the coming year than during the previous six.

The Sun (2015)

COBUILD Collocations

disposable

disposable bag

disposable cup

disposable gloves

disposable plastic

disposable plates

disposable product

disposable razor

disposable syringes