eliminar
verbCEFR B2
What does “eliminar” mean in English?
1.to eliminate, to remove
to eliminate, to remove (systematic and often permanent removal; eliminar obstáculos; policy register)
2.to remove, to eliminate
to remove, to eliminate (eliminar + noun — complete removal; also: knock out in competition)
Example sentences
El objetivo de la reforma es eliminar las ineficiencias del sistema y reducir los costes para el ciudadano.
The aim of the reform is to eliminate inefficiencies in the system and reduce costs for the citizen.
Para eliminar la discriminación laboral, se necesitan tanto leyes más estrictas como un cambio cultural.
To eliminate workplace discrimination, stricter laws and a cultural shift are both needed.
La empresa anunció que eliminaría varios puestos de trabajo en el marco de un plan de reestructuración.
The company announced that it would eliminate several jobs as part of a restructuring plan.
How to use it
Eliminar means 'to eliminate', 'to remove', or 'to phase out'. At B2 it is high-frequency in policy, reform, and argumentation: eliminar barreras, eliminar desigualdades, eliminar la pobreza. It takes a direct object (eliminar + noun) and is typically used in formal registers. The noun is la eliminación. Don't confuse with quitar (to take away / remove physically) — eliminar implies a more thorough, systematic, or permanent removal.
Common mistake
Eliminar implies permanent, systemic removal — stronger than reducir (reduce) or suprimir (suspend/suppress). Don't use quitar in formal policy contexts: *quitar las barreras sounds colloquial where eliminar las barreras is expected. The reflexive eliminarse is possible but rare; most uses are transitive.