Meaning of the word expendable in English

What does expendable mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

expendable

US /ɪkˈspen.də.bəl/
UK /ɪkˈspen.də.bəl/
"expendable" picture

Adjective

of little significance when compared to an overall purpose, and therefore able to be abandoned or sacrificed.

Example:
In war, human lives are often considered expendable.
The old equipment was expendable once the new system was installed.

Noun

a person or thing that is considered to be of little importance and can be sacrificed.

Example:
The general viewed his soldiers as mere expendables in his grand strategy.
In the movie, the minor characters were treated as expendables to advance the plot.