C1noun3K

Disposal

UK /["/dɪˈspəʊzl/"]/US /["/dɪˈspəʊzl/"]/

Definition

the act of getting rid of something

In simple words: The act of getting rid of something.

Examples

  • The council is responsible for **waste disposal** and street cleaning.
  • sewage disposal systems
  • the problems of the ultimate disposal of nuclear waste
  • She was charged with the unlawful disposal of human remains.
  • The waste must be taken to an approved disposal facility.
  • The next step is to think about disposal of your assets.
  • He will have a car at his disposal for the whole month.
  • Well, I'm at your disposal *(= I am ready to help you in any way I can)*.

Usage notes

Commonly used in both spoken and written English. Appropriate in discussions about waste management, legal matters, and general contexts where things are being thrown away or dealt with.

Grammar pattern

disposal + of + object

Memory hint

Think of 'dispose' when you hear 'disposal' — both relate to getting rid of things.

Collocations

  • safe
  • illegal
  • ultimate
  • facility
  • site
  • method

Synonyms

  • removal
  • clearance
  • elimination
  • waste management
  • disposal method

Antonyms

  • retention
  • keeping

Common mistakes

  • Using 'dispose' instead of 'disposal'.
  • Confusing with 'disposal' in terms of financial transactions.
  • Incorrectly using 'disposal' as a verb.