salvage

word

/ˈsæɫvədʒ/
SAL-vij
/sˈælvɪdʒ/
SAL-vij

Definition

To save something valuable from being lost, damaged, or destroyed, especially from wreckage or after an accident.

Usage & Nuances

Common in formal or technical contexts (ships, data, business). Often used with 'salvage operation', 'salvage value', or 'salvage what you can'. Not typically used for saving people, but objects or things of value.

Example Sentences

Engineers worked through the night to salvage crucial data from the damaged hard drive.

natural

They tried to salvage what was left after the fire.

basic

The workers managed to salvage some equipment from the flooded warehouse.

basic

He hopes to salvage his reputation after the scandal.

basic

We tried our best to salvage the situation, but it was already too late.

natural

Only a few pieces of furniture could be salvaged after the flood.

natural