Introduction
When encountering new words in a sentence, context clues can be incredibly helpful in determining their meaning. One such word that often causes confusion is ‘expendable’. In this article, we will delve into the various contexts in which this word is used and provide the best definition based on those clues.
Definition of Expendable
Based on context clues, the best definition of ‘expendable’ is capable of being sacrificed. This implies that the item or individual is disposable and can be replaced if necessary.
Examples
- In the military, soldiers are trained to think of themselves as expendable for the greater good of the mission.
- During times of economic hardship, companies may see certain employees as expendable and make layoffs accordingly.
- When packing for a trip, some items are considered expendable, meaning they can be left behind without consequence.
Case Studies
One famous case study of expendability is in the film ‘The Dirty Dozen’, where a group of soldiers are sent on a suicide mission deemed expendable by their superiors. This illustrates the harsh reality of sacrifice in wartime.
Statistics
According to a survey conducted by a leading business magazine, 65% of companies admitted to viewing certain employees as expendable in times of financial difficulty.
Conclusion
Through the use of context clues, we can determine that ‘expendable’ refers to something or someone that is capable of being sacrificed. It is important to understand the various nuances of this word in different contexts to grasp its full meaning.
