Meaning & use
scrapping
Last updated
“scrapping” is a form of “scrap”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
noununcountable
The act of getting rid of something, such as a plan, rule or old machine, because it is no longer wanted or useful.
Grammar: Usually followed by of: the scrapping of the project.
Patterns
- the scrapping of something
The scrapping of the old tax caused a long public debate.
Workers protested the scrapping of the evening shift.
The scrapping of the aging ferries will begin next year.
verbtransitive
Present participle of scrap: discarding or canceling something, or breaking a vehicle or machine up for its metal.
Grammar: Takes an object: they are scrapping the plan.
Patterns
- be scrapping something
The council is scrapping the plan for a new parking lot.
We are scrapping our old computers and buying new ones.
He is scrapping the car because repairs would cost too much.
verbintransitiveinformal
Present participle of scrap in its informal sense of fighting or arguing in a rough but not very serious way.
Grammar: No object; often with with: the boys were scrapping with each other.
Patterns
- scrapping with someone
- scrapping over something
The two brothers were scrapping over the last slice of pizza.
The puppies spent the afternoon scrapping in the yard.
They are always scrapping about whose turn it is to wash up.
Word forms
| base form | scrap |
|---|---|
| third person singular | scraps |
| past tense | scrapped |
Common combinations
- scrapping a plan
- Scrapping a plan can be expensive if work has already started.
- scrapping of the scheme
- The scrapping of the scheme surprised everyone.
- scrapping a car
- Scrapping a car is easy once you find a licensed dealer.
- scrapping over something
- They keep scrapping over the remote control.
- scrapping the idea
- We are seriously thinking about scrapping the idea.
Synonyms and how they differ
- canceling
- Canceling is most natural for events and bookings, while scrapping suggests abandoning a plan or object completely.
- abandoning
- Abandoning suggests leaving something behind, whereas scrapping suggests actively throwing it out.
- discarding
- Discarding is mostly about physical objects, while scrapping is also used for policies and plans.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: scrapping or scrapping vs scraping?
scrapping vs scrapping vs scraping
Scrapping means throwing away or fighting, with a double p. Scraping, with one p, means rubbing a surface to remove something.
Practice
The government is considering ___ the old rail plan because it is too costly.
Choose one answer.
Scrapping means canceling or abandoning. Scraping, with one p, means removing something by rubbing, which does not fit a plan.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “scrapping”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.