subtraction

noun

sub·​trac·​tion səb-ˈtrak-shən 

: an act, operation, or instance of subtracting: such as

a

: the withdrawing or withholding of a right to which an individual is entitled

b

: the operation of deducting one number from another

Synonyms

• deduction

Examples of subtraction in a Sentence

The children are learning addition and subtraction.

the restaurant may not have raised the price, but there's definitely been a subtraction in the number of fries in a side order

Recent Examples on the Web

Vancouver will also be hoping that this is addition by subtraction as far as cleaning up the locker room dysfunction and public rift between Miller and Elias Pettersson. —Corey Pronman, The Athletic, 1 Feb. 2025

On our own, we can get flummoxed and divided by simple subtraction. —Philip Maymin, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

There’s the subtraction of light, when the windows and the curtains are closed. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024

Pantheon’s current estimate is for a 100,000 net payroll gain, which includes a subtraction of 65,000 workers affected by strikes and hurricanes. —Alicia Wallace, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subtraccion, from Anglo-French sustraction, subtraction, from Late Latin subtraction-, subtractio, from Latin subtrahere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

subtraction

noun

sub·​trac·​tion səb-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: an act or instance of subtracting

2

: the operation of deducting one number from another