conventional weapon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “conventional weapon” mean?
A military weapon that uses non-nuclear, non-biological, non-chemical explosives or kinetic energy to inflict damage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A military weapon that uses non-nuclear, non-biological, non-chemical explosives or kinetic energy to inflict damage.
Any weapon system that is not classified as a weapon of mass destruction (WMD), operating through standard physical or explosive force; often contrasted with nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning; no lexical differences.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries connotations of 'standard' or 'traditional' warfare, often implying a perceived lower level of destruction compared to WMDs, though modern conventional weapons can be extremely powerful.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to larger military discourse volume.
Grammar
How to Use “conventional weapon” in a Sentence
The [military/nation] possesses [a large arsenal of] conventional weapons.The conflict was fought primarily with conventional weapons.A shift from nuclear to conventional weapons.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conventional weapon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The army was conventionally armed.
- They fought a conventionally weaponised war.
American English
- The forces were conventionally equipped.
- The doctrine emphasizes conventionally powered strikes.
adverb
British English
- The attack was carried out conventionally, without WMDs.
American English
- They fought conventionally, relying on tanks and artillery.
adjective
British English
- The conventional-weapon threat is significant.
- A conventional-weapons treaty.
American English
- The conventional-weapons stockpile was vast.
- Conventional-weapon capabilities were upgraded.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used in defence industry contexts: 'The company's portfolio focuses on guidance systems for conventional weapons.'
Academic
Common in political science, international relations, and security studies: 'The treaty aimed to limit the proliferation of conventional weapons in the region.'
Everyday
Low; used in news discussions about war: 'The report cited the use of conventional weapons against civilian infrastructure.'
Technical
High in military, strategic, and disarmament discourse: 'The laser designated the target for conventional weapon strike.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conventional weapon”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conventional weapon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conventional weapon”
- Using 'conventional weapon' to mean 'old-fashioned weapon' (it refers to the type of force, not the age).
- Incorrect: 'Swords are conventional weapons.' Correct: 'Artillery is a conventional weapon.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, napalm is considered a conventional incendiary weapon, as it relies on chemical combustion, not mass destruction through nuclear, biological, or specifically banned chemical agents.
Yes, if the drone is armed with standard explosives or kinetic projectiles (missiles, bombs, guns), it is a platform for delivering conventional weapons. The term refers to the payload/effect, not the delivery system.
The direct opposite is a 'weapon of mass destruction' (WMD), which includes nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical weapons.
It originated in the mid-20th century to distinguish the 'conventional' explosives and arms used in World Wars I and II from the new, 'unconventional' nuclear weapons developed thereafter.
A military weapon that uses non-nuclear, non-biological, non-chemical explosives or kinetic energy to inflict damage.
Conventional weapon is usually formal / technical in register.
Conventional weapon: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈvɛnʃ(ə)nəl ˈwɛpən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈvɛn(t)ʃ(ə)nəl ˈwɛpən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To fight a conventional war”
- “Conventional forces and weapons”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think CONVENTION = a large meeting following TRADITIONAL rules. A CONVENTIONAL WEAPON follows the 'traditional' rules of war (explosives, bullets), not the 'unconventional' rules of WMDs.
Conceptual Metaphor
WAR IS A CONTEST WITH RULES (Conventional weapons are the 'standard equipment' in this contest, while WMDs are 'cheating' or breaking the rules).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a 'conventional weapon'?