WordGarden.ioreusable
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /riːjˈuːzəbəl/
US
- /riˈuzəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
able to be used again instead of thrown away after one use
able to be used again in multiple programs, systems, or designs with little change
Beyond the definition
Imagine your grandmother's beautiful china. She didn't throw it away after one dinner because it was made to be used again and again. Something reusable is not meant for just one use. It can be used many times, which helps save materials and cut down on waste. Think of water bottles, shopping bags, food containers, or even some building materials.
This idea matters more as people try to waste less. A "disposable" item is made to be thrown away after one use, but a reusable item is meant to stay useful for longer. You can also make something reusable in a new way, like keeping an old jar and using it to store leftovers.
The word reusable describes anything capable of being used more than once. It's about extending the life cycle of an item rather than discarding it after a single purpose is served. This concept goes beyond simply being able to use something again; it often implies durability and a design specifically intended for repeated use.
You'll hear "reusable" frequently in discussions about environmental sustainability. Reusable shopping bags are a prime example—they replace flimsy plastic bags, reducing pollution and conserving resources. Similarly, reusable water bottles help eliminate the need for disposable plastic ones. But it's not limited to everyday items! Architects might design buildings with reusable materials, or engineers might create components that can be repurposed in different applications.
The idea of reusability extends beyond physical objects, too. Skills and knowledge are reusable; you learn something once and apply it many times throughout your life. A well-written piece of code is often reusable, meaning programmers can adapt it for various projects without starting from scratch.
In a world increasingly focused on reducing waste, the concept of being reusable isn't just about convenience or cost savings—it's about making conscious choices that benefit our planet and future generations. It represents a vital shift from a "throw-away" culture to one of mindful consumption and lasting value.
Examples
- 1
Everyday item
I always carry a reusable water bottle to work.
- 2
Cafe discount
The cafe gives a discount if you bring your own reusable cup.
- 3
Food storage
We switched to reusable containers instead of plastic wrap.
- 4
Online orders
The company is testing reusable packaging for online orders.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Work template
She created a reusable slide template, so the team doesn't have to start from scratch every time.
- Phrasestart from scratch
begin from the beginning
See also
Similar
- multi-use
- non-disposable
Shades of meaning
- refillable
- washable
- repurposable
Contrast
- disposable
- single-use
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- reusable bag
- reusable water bottle
- reusable container
- reusable code
Word family
- reuse
- reusability
Explore
- sustainability
- circular economy
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- reusablenounadjective
Forms
- reusablespluralnounadjective