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"Eradication" vs. "annihilation": nuances of elimination

Reviewed and edited by Anwar Kareem 26/10/2024, 12:39
English.me team member
Eradication and annihilation. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "eradication" and "annihilation" refer to the complete destruction or removal of something. They imply a thorough and total end to whatever is being targeted, often used in contexts where something is eliminated permanently.

What is different?

"Eradication" typically implies the removal or destruction of something undesirable, often used in the context of diseases, pests, or social problems. It is associated with a process that is often deliberate and methodical. "Annihilation," on the other hand, suggests total destruction, often used in a more dramatic or violent context, such as in warfare or science fiction scenarios where entities are obliterated.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for eradication) and annihilation

Examples of usage

Eradication
  • The eradication of smallpox was a significant achievement for global health.
  • Efforts are underway to achieve the eradication of invasive species from the island.
  • The government launched a program aimed at the eradication of poverty.
Annihilation
  • The science fiction novel depicted the complete annihilation of the alien race.
  • The bomb's explosion led to the annihilation of the city.
  • Philosophers often debate the concept of existential annihilation.