What does deletion mean?
Deletion refers to the act or process of removing something — most often written, printed, recorded, or digitally stored material. When an editor strikes a paragraph from a manuscript, when a user erases a file, or when a lawyer redacts a clause from a contract, each action constitutes a deletion. The word can also denote the removed item itself: reviewers may list their deletions alongside insertions when revising a document. Beyond everyday and professional use, deletion carries precise technical meanings. In genetics, a deletion is the loss of a segment of DNA from a chromosome; in linguistics, it describes the omission of sounds, syllables, or letters in speech or spelling. The word carries no strong emotional connotation — it is matter-of-fact rather than harsh — though context often implies loss, error, or correction. Derived from Latin roots meaning to blot out or destroy, deletion is indispensable wherever information is created, revised, or removed.
The act or process of removing or erasing something, especially text, data, or recorded material.
"The permanent deletion of your account cannot be undone."
Frequent in computing, editing, and legal contexts.
Something that has been deleted, especially an editorial removal from a text.
"All deletions were tracked so the author could review every change."
In genetics, the loss of a segment of DNA from a chromosome; in linguistics, the omission of a sound, letter, or syllable.
"A single-gene deletion can cause a range of developmental disorders."
Used both for multiple acts of deletion and for the items themselves that have been removed, as in tracked editorial changes.
"The manuscript returned covered in red ink, with dozens of deletions marked in the margins."
Every time you hit 'delete', you're performing a deletion — a word whose Latin root also gave us 'indelible', meaning impossible to delete.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of deletion
Deletion derives from the Latin verb delere, meaning 'to destroy, efface, or wipe out', formed from de- ('away, off') and linere ('to smear, wipe'). The noun entered English in the early modern period, likely via Latin deletio or French délétion, initially carrying the sense of destruction before narrowing to its modern sense of textual or data removal. Its root also yields English cognates such as indelible ('that cannot be wiped out') and deleterious (originally 'destructive').
Related word forms
How deletion is actually used
Deletion is neutral to slightly formal in register and common in computing, publishing, legal, and academic contexts. In genetics it is a technical term for missing DNA segments; in linguistics, for omitted sounds or letters.
Easily confused with deletion
Deletion means removal or erasure of content or items, while depletion means the gradual exhausting or using up of a supply or resource.