are defunct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are defunct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is no longer in operation, functioning, or relevant. Example: "Many of the old factories in the area are defunct, having been closed for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Those companies are defunct.

The New York Times

Both are defunct.

The New York Times

Some of the companies are defunct.

The New York Times

The old analogies between machines and human bodies are defunct.

The New Yorker

The big secular ideologies, from Nasserism to Baathism, are defunct.

The New Yorker

Oil sometimes shoots out of them, even if the wells are defunct.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"Minamisoma is defunct," she said.

The New York Times

Two years later, it is defunct.

The Washington Post

The company is defunct.

The New York Times

The Works Progress Administration is defunct.

The New York Times - Arts

That myth is defunct now.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are defunct", verify that the subject truly no longer exists or functions as intended. Consider alternatives like "obsolete" or "outdated" if the subject still exists but is no longer relevant or efficient.

Common error

Avoid using "are defunct" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise terms like "terminated", "discontinued", or "decommissioned" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are defunct" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, indicating that a subject is no longer operational or in existence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, illustrating its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are defunct" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase to describe entities that no longer exist or function. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, serving to inform readers about the status of various subjects. While it is generally neutral in tone, avoiding overuse in highly formal settings is advisable. Several alternative phrases, such as "are no longer in operation" or "are out of service", can be used depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are no longer in operation

Focuses on the operational status of something.

are out of service

Emphasizes the cessation of service or function.

are non-functional

Highlights the lack of functionality.

are no longer active

Focuses on the cessation of activity or use.

are out of commission

Indicates a temporary or permanent removal from service.

are no longer viable

Highlights the lack of feasibility or sustainability.

have ceased to exist

Emphasizes the complete disappearance or termination.

are obsolete

Focuses on being outdated or no longer in use due to newer technology.

are extinct

Implies a complete disappearance, often used for species or phenomena.

are terminated

Suggests a formal or official ending.

FAQs

How can I use "are defunct" in a sentence?

You can use "are defunct" to describe something that no longer exists or functions. For example, "Many of the old factories in the area "are defunct", having been closed for years."

What can I say instead of "are defunct"?

Alternatives to "are defunct" include phrases like "are no longer in operation", "are out of service", or "are obsolete", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "are defunct" or "is defunct"?

"Are defunct" is used with plural subjects, while "is defunct" is used with singular subjects. For example, "The companies "are defunct"" versus "The company "is defunct"".

What is the difference between "are defunct" and "are obsolete"?

"Are defunct" implies that something no longer exists or functions, while "are obsolete" means something is outdated or no longer in use because it has been replaced by something newer. Something that is obsolete may still exist, but it is no longer the preferred option.