are now defunct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are now defunct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is no longer in operation or functioning, often referring to organizations, systems, or products that have ceased to exist or be relevant. Example: "The old software programs are now defunct, as they have been replaced by more advanced technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

(Both are now defunct).

The Economist

In its manifesto, the party says that the arguments of left and right are now defunct.

Independent

Because most of these companies are now defunct, the issue gets even murkier.

The New York Times

It went to a firm in the Cayman Islands and another in New York; both are now defunct.

The Economist

The jury awarded $108 million in damages to the shareholders of the two companies, both of which are now defunct.

The New York Times

Of those, five are now defunct, their authors having apparently run short of inspiration, inclination or time.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Oakford is now defunct.

The New York Times

(Veco is now defunct).

The New Yorker

Telerate is now defunct.

The New York Times

(The charity she used is now defunct).

The New York Times

The business is now defunct.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about organizations or institutions, use "are now defunct" to clearly indicate that they have ceased to exist or operate. This term leaves no ambiguity about their current status.

Common error

Avoid using "are now defunct" when referring to something that is temporarily inactive or suspended. The phrase implies a permanent end, not a pause or temporary closure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are now defunct" functions as a stative descriptor, indicating that a subject is no longer in operation or existence. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is used to communicate the current status of something that has ceased to function. The phrase provides a clear and concise way to convey that something is no longer active or valid.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are now defunct" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that no longer exists or functions. According to Ludwig AI, its meaning is clear and unambiguous, making it suitable for various contexts. It frequently appears in News & Media and Wikipedia sources. While alternative phrases like "have ceased to exist" or "are no longer functioning" can be used, "are now defunct" provides a straightforward way to convey the permanent end of something. Remember to use it only when referring to permanent cessation, not temporary inactivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have ceased to exist

Emphasizes the termination of existence, focusing on the finality of the end.

are no longer functioning

Highlights the cessation of operational status, suitable for systems or organizations.

have gone out of business

Specifically refers to businesses that have closed down, indicating commercial failure.

are now obsolete

Focuses on the outdated nature of something, implying it's no longer useful or relevant.

are no longer in use

Indicates that something is not currently being utilized, implying disuse.

have been terminated

Highlights the formal ending or cancellation of something, often referring to agreements or programs.

have been discontinued

Implies a deliberate decision to stop production or offering of a product or service.

are now outmoded

Similar to obsolete, but emphasizes the idea of being old-fashioned or outdated.

are now non-operational

Specifically states the lack of operational capability, useful for machinery or facilities.

are a thing of the past

Suggests that something belongs to a previous era and is no longer relevant today.

FAQs

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

You can use "are now defunct" to describe something that no longer exists or operates, such as "The old regulations "are now defunct"".

What can I say instead of "are now defunct"?

Alternatives include "have ceased to exist", "are no longer functioning", or "are now obsolete", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "are now defunct" in formal writing?

Yes, "are now defunct" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and professionally indicates that something is no longer in operation or existence.

What's the difference between "are now defunct" and "are temporarily suspended"?

"Are now defunct" implies a permanent end, while "are temporarily suspended" indicates a pause with the possibility of resuming operations in the future. Choose based on whether the cessation is permanent or temporary.