Definition

The act of using parts from one thing to help or improve another, often leading to a reduction in the original item's value or effectiveness.

Example

The company's cannibalization of its own products led to confusion among customers.

Conversation

Did you hear about the company's cannibalization of its own products?

Yeah, it's crazy how they keep competing with themselves.

I wonder if it's really hurting their sales in the long run.

It might be, but they seem to think it's a strategy that works for them.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cannibalization is formed from "cannibal" (from Spanish *caníbal*, meaning a person who eats human flesh) and the suffix "-ization" (meaning the process of making or becoming). The term refers to the process of one entity consuming or using up another, often in a competitive context.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'cannibal' as someone who 'consumes' others, and '-ization' means the process of doing something. This helps you remember that 'cannibalization' refers to the process of one entity consuming another.

Visually Confused Words