discontinuation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “discontinuation” mean?
The act of stopping something that was happening or being used, often formally or permanently.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of stopping something that was happening or being used, often formally or permanently.
The formal cessation or termination of a process, service, product line, or course of action, often implying a deliberate decision not to continue.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical in meaning and formality. However, the abbreviated form 'discontinuance' (n.) is slightly more common in American legal contexts.
Connotations
Both carry a formal, official connotation. In business contexts, 'discontinuation' often implies a permanent end to a product or service.
Frequency
Used with similar frequency in both varieties, common in formal, business, technical, and academic registers.
Grammar
How to Use “discontinuation” in a Sentence
[noun] of [noun phrase] (discontinuation of the service)[verb] discontinuation (announce/announced discontinuation)[adjective] discontinuation (immediate/permanent discontinuation)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “discontinuation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company will discontinue that line of printers.
- They have discontinued support for the old software.
American English
- The manufacturer discontinued the model last year.
- The service was discontinued due to low demand.
adjective
British English
- Discontinued products may be hard to find.
- The now-discontinued policy was unpopular.
American English
- They sell discontinued merchandise at a discount.
- A discontinued medication is no longer available.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to stopping a product line, service, or policy. 'The board voted for the discontinuation of the underperforming model.'
Academic
Used for ending a long-term study, research program, or practice. 'The discontinuation of the longitudinal study limited our data.'
Everyday
Less common; used for formal services like subscriptions, medications, or utilities. 'I requested the discontinuation of my newspaper subscription.'
Technical
Common in medical, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing contexts. 'Patient non-compliance led to treatment discontinuation.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “discontinuation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “discontinuation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “discontinuation”
- Using it for informal, temporary stops (e.g., 'I made a discontinuation in my workout').
- Confusing it with 'discontinuity', which means a lack of smooth sequence or coherence.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Discontinuation' is the act of stopping something. 'Discontinuity' refers to a gap, break, or lack of connection in a sequence or process.
It is primarily a formal word. In everyday speech, people are more likely to use simpler terms like 'stopping', 'ending', or 'cutting off' unless referring to an official process (e.g., a service or subscription).
They are close synonyms. 'Discontinuation' often implies stopping something that was ongoing or a series (like a product, service, or habit). 'Cessation' is a broader term for stopping any action or state (e.g., cessation of hostilities, cessation of pain).
The verb form is 'to discontinue'. Example: 'The company will discontinue production.'
The act of stopping something that was happening or being used, often formally or permanently.
Discontinuation is usually formal in register.
Discontinuation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪskənˌtɪnjuˈeɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪskənˌtɪnjuˈeɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as the opposite of CONTINUATION. DIS-CONTINU-ATION. Something that was continuing is now being formally STOPPED (discontinued).
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY THAT HAS BEEN HALTED. A PROCESS AS A THREAD THAT HAS BEEN CUT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'discontinuation'?