MOTHBALLED Meaning and
Definition
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Mothballed is an adjective used to describe the act of placing something, usually a facility or equipment, into a state of long-term storage or hibernation. The term originated from the practice of using mothballs, small aromatic pellets typically made of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, to prevent damage caused by moths and other insects to stored clothing, fabrics, or other valuable items.
In the context of facilities or equipment, when something is mothballed, it means that it is no longer in active use, but is preserved in a state where it can be reactivated or used again in the future if needed. This process involves taking necessary steps to ensure that the item or facility remains in a condition that allows it to be kept in storage for extended periods, such as regular maintenance, protective covering, or special preservation techniques.
Mothballing can be undertaken for various reasons, including economic slowdown, lack of demand, technological advancements rendering the facility or equipment obsolete, or as a temporary measure to reduce costs. The intention behind mothballing is to keep the asset in a state of readiness without incurring additional expenses associated with ongoing operation or maintenance.
It should be noted that mothballed assets may require certain efforts and investments to bring them back to active use as they may have deteriorated over time. The decision to mothball something is often based on a careful cost-benefit analysis, considering the potential future need for the item, the cost of reactivation versus decommissioning, and the potential loss of value due to extended inactivity.
Common Misspellings for MOTHBALLED
Etymology of MOTHBALLED
The word "mothballed" originated from the literal practice of using mothballs to protect and preserve clothing and other items stored for long periods.
Mothballs are small balls made of chemical substances, usually naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, that emit a strong odor to repel and kill moths and other insects. These balls were traditionally placed among clothes and fabrics to prevent damage by moths.
The usage of "mothball" as a verb to describe the act of storing or preserving something for long-term disuse or protection has entered the English language metaphorically. It implies keeping an item or facility in a state of inactivity, with the analogy of keeping it well-protected, just like clothing stored with mothballs. Over time, this term has been extended to describe various situations where something is put on hold or kept out of use temporarily to be preserved or maintained for potential future use.
Similar spelling word for MOTHBALLED
Conjugate verb Mothballed
CONDITIONAL
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would mothball
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FUTURE
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will mothball
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FUTURE PERFECT
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will have mothballed
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PAST
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PAST PERFECT
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had mothballed
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PRESENT
I
mothball
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mothball
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mothballs
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mothball
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have mothballed
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have mothballed
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am mothballing
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was mothballing
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will be mothballing
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had been mothballing
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will have been mothballing
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would have mothballed
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