Expendables

Expendables, in a general sense, refers to people or things considered disposable or non-essential, often in situations where their sacrifice is deemed acceptable to achieve a larger goal. They are viewed as having little value and can be readily used up or eliminated without significant concern for their loss. This can apply in contexts ranging from military strategy, where soldiers may be perceived as such, to business operations, where resources or personnel might be considered expendable. The concept carries strong ethical implications, raising questions about the value of human life and resources in the face of necessity or expediency. It highlights a power dynamic where some individuals or entities are prioritized over others.

Expendables meaning with examples

• During the brutal siege, soldiers at the frontline were often treated as expendables, constantly rotated in and out to wear down the enemy. Commanders prioritized territory above all else. Their sacrifice was seen as a necessary evil. The heavy losses sparked internal dissent, but the objective was paramount. The disregard for individual lives was a stark reality.
• In the cutthroat tech startup environment, junior developers and interns were often viewed as expendables. They worked long hours on low pay, subject to immediate firing when the market fluctuated. High-level executives would prioritize keeping share prices high over worker rights. The relentless pressure to succeed created a toxic culture with a high burnout rate.
• When cleaning up the nuclear site, many pieces of equipment became expendables due to extreme contamination. Crews understood that radiation would limit how long they can use them. This allowed their efficiency to continue the cleanup process. Any hope to remove it was considered not cost-effective. The cost and time to decontaminate them was far too high.
• The corporation, desperate to cut costs, saw its lower-level employees as expendables, laying off thousands of workers to boost shareholder profits. The leadership justified their actions by citing the need to remain competitive. Families suffered as a consequence. This created a wave of resentment towards upper management and corporate greed.