ammunition
Ammunition refers to projectiles (like bullets or shells) fired from weapons. Figuratively, it describes information, facts, or evidence that can be used to support an argument or to criticize an opponent.
Examples
3 of 5The hunters made sure to pack enough ammunition before heading into the woods.
The hunters made sure to pack enough ammunition before heading into the woods.
The treaty strictly limits the production and distribution of heavy artillery ammunition.
The treaty strictly limits the production and distribution of heavy artillery ammunition.
Don't tell him your secrets; he'll just use them as ammunition against you later.
Don't tell him your secrets; he'll just use them as ammunition against you later.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'ammo' in 'ammunition' as 'arguments'. When you have ammo, you have the power to win the fight—whether it's with words or weapons.
Quick Quiz
The senator's recent scandal provided his opponents with plenty of __________ for the upcoming debate.
Correct!
The correct answer is: ammunition
Examples
The hunters made sure to pack enough ammunition before heading into the woods.
everydayThe hunters made sure to pack enough ammunition before heading into the woods.
The treaty strictly limits the production and distribution of heavy artillery ammunition.
formalThe treaty strictly limits the production and distribution of heavy artillery ammunition.
Don't tell him your secrets; he'll just use them as ammunition against you later.
informalDon't tell him your secrets; he'll just use them as ammunition against you later.
The discovery of the ancient manuscript provided scholars with new ammunition for their debate.
academicThe discovery of the ancient manuscript provided scholars with new ammunition for their debate.
The marketing team needed more ammunition to prove that the competitor's claims were false.
businessThe marketing team needed more ammunition to prove that the competitor's claims were false.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
give someone ammunition
to provide someone with a way to criticize or attack another person
verbal ammunition
words used effectively in a debate or argument
ammunition box
a container designed for safe transport and storage of bullets
Often Confused With
Munitions is a broader term including all military weapons and equipment, while ammunition specifically refers to the projectiles fired.
Usage Notes
Ammunition is an uncountable noun and does not have a plural form. In metaphorical contexts, it is almost always used to mean 'leverage' or 'proof' in an argument.
Common Mistakes
Do not say 'ammunitions'; even if you are talking about different types of bullets, use 'types of ammunition' or just 'ammunition'.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'ammo' in 'ammunition' as 'arguments'. When you have ammo, you have the power to win the fight—whether it's with words or weapons.
Word Origin
From the French 'la munition', which was misheard as 'l'ammunition', ultimately from Latin 'munitio' (fortification).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In American political discourse, the term is frequently used to describe scandals or data used by one party to discredit the other.
Quick Quiz
The senator's recent scandal provided his opponents with plenty of __________ for the upcoming debate.
Correct!
The correct answer is: ammunition
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
at
A1A preposition used to indicate a specific point, location, or position in space. It is also used to specify a particular point in time or a certain state or activity.
but
A1A coordinating conjunction used to connect two statements that contrast with each other. It is used to introduce an added statement that is different from what has already been mentioned.
his
A1This word is used to show that something belongs to or is associated with a male person or animal previously mentioned. It functions as both a possessive determiner used before a noun and a possessive pronoun used on its own.
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