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extinction

In most everyday conversations, this word refers to animals or plants disappearing forever from the Earth. It is usually used as an uncountable noun in this context. When used in psychology or finance (like paying off a debt), it is a more specialized term and sounds very formal. You will mostly see these uses in textbooks or legal documents.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Mark is hiding in the breakroom while Brian is at his desk.

Mark

Yo, these old floppy disks are legit on the brink of extinction.

Brian

Stop messing around and just back up your files for once.

💡

Mark uses 'legit' as a slang intensifier to describe the obsolescence of floppy disks, while Brian's response reflects his grumpy, no-nonsense IT persona. The word 'extinction' here refers to the disappearance of a technology (analogous to the process of becoming extinct).

Meanings

noun

The state or process of a species, family, or larger taxonomic group becoming extinct; the complete disappearance of a group of organisms.

"The extinction of the dinosaurs occurred approximately 66 million years ago."

noun

The act of extinguishing something, such as a fire, a light, or a debt; the process of bringing something to an end.

"The extinction of the debt was finalized after the final installment was paid."

noun

In psychology, the gradual weakening and eventual disappearance of a conditioned response when the reinforcing stimulus is no longer presented.

"The dog's habit of salivating at the bell underwent extinction once the food was no longer provided."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026•Report an Error