Expendable

Expendable describes something or someone considered to be of little importance and therefore available to be sacrificed or discarded to achieve a goal. This often relates to resources, materials, or personnel that are deemed easily replaceable or whose loss is seen as a minor consequence in a larger context. The term carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of value or consideration for the subject. It is commonly used in situations involving war, business, or resource management, where efficiency and prioritization necessitate the possible sacrifice of certain elements for the overall success of the operation or objective.

Expendable meaning with examples

• In wartime, soldiers considered expendable may be assigned to high-risk missions. Their potential loss is weighed against strategic gains, a grim reality of armed conflict. Sacrificing their safety is considered acceptable if it serves the greater purpose of winning the battle and securing the mission's ultimate objective. This difficult decision highlights the tragic consequences of considering human lives as 'expendable'.
• The company deemed older computer equipment expendable, opting to replace it with a newer model. Their focus was on efficiency and cost savings. The older machines, though still functional, were seen as an obstacle to achieving better performance. The company calculated that buying brand-new equipment and rendering the old ones 'expendable' served the corporation's financial and operational interests.
• During the space program's early stages, testing prototypes were often considered expendable. Their potential destruction in the name of science was a calculated risk. These prototypes, as essential tools, were deemed disposable if that was the key to developing groundbreaking advancements. This highlights how scientific progress could require using materials and assets that were ultimately seen as 'expendable'.
• When a forest fire breaks out, some natural resources, such as certain stands of trees, may be considered expendable to protect structures and human life. This can represent a hard decision for first responders who must prioritize their resources during emergencies. The ultimate goal is to contain the blaze by allowing certain parts of the forest to be deemed expendable if they serve the objective.
• The dictator viewed political dissidents as expendable, ruthlessly suppressing any opposition to his rule. He prioritized his power and control above any concern for human rights. This decision highlights the devastating impact on human life when authorities perceive people, resources or ideas as 'expendable' in order to stay in power, often leading to widespread brutality.