demolitions
C1Formal, Technical, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
The plural form of 'demolition', referring to multiple acts or instances of completely destroying buildings, structures, or other objects, typically in a deliberate, controlled, or systematic manner.
The processes, events, or operations involving the tearing down of structures; can also extend metaphorically to the systematic dismantling or destruction of institutions, arguments, or abstract constructs.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The plural form strongly implies multiple, separate events or targets. It often appears in contexts discussing a series of operations, planning, or the cumulative impact of destruction. Less common than the singular 'demolition' in everyday language.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The word is used in both varieties with the same primary sense. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
In both varieties, can carry connotations of urban development, clearance, military operations, or the end of an era. In British English, might be more frequently associated with council-led housing projects.
Frequency
Slightly higher relative frequency in American English in contexts related to controlled implosions of large structures and military engineering.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
demolitions of [STRUCTURE/PLURAL NOUN]demolitions in [LOCATION]demolitions by [AGENT]demolitions for [PURPOSE]demolitions followed by [EVENT]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specifically for the plural form]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to the contracted services or projects involving tearing down structures, e.g., 'The company's quarterly revenue was boosted by several major demolitions in the city centre.'
Academic
Used in urban studies, history, or engineering contexts discussing the impact of multiple destruction events, e.g., 'The paper analyses the social consequences of the postwar slum demolitions.'
Everyday
Used when discussing local news about multiple buildings being torn down, e.g., 'All the demolitions on our street are causing so much dust.'
Technical
In civil engineering or military contexts, referring to the specific methods and operations for destroying structures, e.g., 'The manual details procedures for safe explosive demolitions.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council will demolish the block of flats next month.
- They are seeking permission to demolish the old theatre.
American English
- The developer plans to demolish the mall to build a stadium.
- They had to demolish the structure due to safety concerns.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb derived from 'demolition'; 'demolishingly' is non-standard and rare.]
American English
- [No standard adverb derived from 'demolition'; 'demolishingly' is non-standard and rare.]
adjective
British English
- He is a certified demolition expert.
- The demolition work requires a special licence.
American English
- She works for a demolition contractor.
- The demolition crew arrived at dawn.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The demolitions made a lot of noise.
- We saw two demolitions last week.
- The city council has approved the demolitions of three old factories.
- After the demolitions, the area looked empty.
- The planned demolitions are part of a major urban regeneration scheme.
- Environmental assessments are required before such large-scale demolitions can proceed.
- The series of controlled demolitions transformed the city's skyline within a matter of months.
- Historians debated the cultural loss incurred by the postwar demolitions of Victorian architecture.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'MOLE' in the middle of 'deMOLEitions'. Imagine multiple moles (animals) systematically tunneling under and collapsing several buildings, leading to multiple 'demolitions'.
Conceptual Metaphor
REMOVAL IS CLEANSING / PROGRESS IS DEMOLITION (e.g., demolitions to make way for the new; clearing the slate).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as "демонстрации" (demonstrations/protests).
- Do not confuse with "разрушения" which is a more general term for destruction; "demolitions" implies deliberate, often sanctioned acts.
- The plural form does not change the core translation "сносы" but emphasizes multiplicity.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'demolition' as an uncountable noun when referring to multiple distinct events (e.g., 'There was a lot of demolition' vs. 'There were several demolitions').
- Misspelling as 'demolishions' or 'demolations'.
- Using it as a verb (the verb is 'demolish').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the plural noun 'demolitions' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Demolition' is the singular, uncountable concept or a single instance of destruction. 'Demolitions' is the plural form, specifically referring to multiple, countable acts or events of demolition.
Yes, though less common than the singular. It can metaphorically refer to the systematic dismantling of several ideas, plans, or institutions, e.g., 'The debate featured the sequential demolitions of each opposing argument.'
It is less common than the singular 'demolition' and is typically found in more formal, technical, or journalistic contexts where specificity about multiple events is required, such in urban planning, military reports, or construction industry news.
It is exclusively a plural noun. The related verb is 'demolish', and the adjective form is 'demolition' (as in 'demolition expert').