1. things or people that are considered unimportant and can be discarded, sacrificed, or used up without concern
Usage: usually plural; often used in military, business, or film contexts
2. supplies or equipment that are consumed or used up in the course of operations
Usage: usually plural; common in military and industrial contexts

Examples

• The military budget included funds for ammunition and other expendables.
• In the film, the soldiers were treated as expendables by their commanding officer.
• The company reduced costs by cutting expendables from the budget.
• Office supplies like paper and pens are considered expendables.
• The director viewed minor characters as expendables in the action sequence.
• Expendables such as fuel and lubricants must be regularly replenished.