Dumping

/ˈdʌmpɪŋ/

verbBeginner📊CommonGeneral
3 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To get rid of something by dropping it in a careless way.

/ˈdʌmpɪŋ/

verbnegativeBeginner
General

To deposit or dispose of something, often in a careless or illegal manner.

The city has decided to stop dumping waste in the landfill.

💡 Simply: Dumping is like when you throw something away, like trash, or when you drop a bunch of stuff off somewhere. Think of it as getting rid of things, sometimes in a place where they shouldn't be, or at least, in a hurry. Like dumping your backpack on the floor when you get home.

👶 For kids: Dumping is like throwing something away or putting something somewhere where it doesn't belong.

More Examples

2

He dumped his old clothes into a charity bin.

3

The ships were caught dumping oil into the ocean.

How It's Used

Environmental Science

"The company was fined for illegally dumping toxic waste into the river."

Construction

"They're dumping gravel on the road to prepare it for paving."

2

To end a romantic relationship with someone.

/ˈdʌmpɪŋ/

verbnegativeBeginner
General

To abruptly end a relationship with someone.

He didn't see it coming when she dumped him.

💡 Simply: When someone 'dumps' you, it means they break up with you in a relationship. It's like saying, 'I don't want to be with you anymore,' and ending it all at once. It can be a pretty sad situation.

👶 For kids: Dumping someone means breaking up with them when you're boyfriend and girlfriend.

More Examples

2

After the argument, she threatened to dump him.

3

He feared she might dump him if he didn't change.

How It's Used

Relationships

"She was devastated when he dumped her."

Tip:Imagine 'dropping' a relationship like you'd drop a bag.
3

To sell goods at a price lower than their cost of production, usually to gain a competitive edge.

/ˈdʌmpɪŋ/

verbnegativemedium
General

To sell goods at a price below their cost, especially to drive out competition.

The government imposed tariffs to prevent the dumping of cheap steel.

💡 Simply: In business, dumping means selling things for really cheap, even if you lose a little money on each one. Companies do it sometimes to get rid of extra stuff or to get rid of competitors.

👶 For kids: Dumping is like selling something for less than it cost to make.

More Examples

2

The company was accused of dumping products in foreign markets.

3

They were forced to stop dumping their products in the local area.

How It's Used

Economics

"The country accused the other of dumping goods in their market."

Tip:Imagine the price of goods 'dumping' down.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

dump truck

A truck designed to transport loose material, such as sand or gravel, and to dump it easily.

"The construction crew used a dump truck to haul away the debris."

dumpster fire

A situation or event that is a complete disaster; an utter failure.

"The project was a complete dumpster fire from start to finish."

From Middle English *dumpen*, related to Low German *dumpen* ('to strike, knock'). The sense of 'discarding' developed later, possibly influenced by the word's association with the act of falling or being dropped.

The earliest uses of 'dump' referred to knocking or striking. The sense of discarding emerged in the 18th century.

Memory tip

Imagine dropping your trash – that's dumping!

Word Origin

LanguageLow German, Middle English
Original meaning

"to knock; to strike; to discard"

dump wastedump goodsdump a relationshipdump on someone

Common misspellings

dumppingdummping

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written