became outdated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became outdated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is no longer current or relevant, often due to the passage of time or advancements in technology. Example: "With the rapid advancements in technology, many traditional methods of communication have become outdated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Much of the rolling stock became outdated, leading to inefficient and costly service.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bracton's work was adapted for purposes of study for a time, but it soon became outdated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dogma was rejected in favour of personal experience and experiment, and old decisions soon became outdated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the recession went on, our experience, maturity, and judgment, however excellent, became outdated.

The Economist

But as the number of netizens in other countries and particularly in China has grown, the set-up became outdated.

The Economist

Indians have argued the restrictions became outdated when they signed a groundbreaking civil nuclear cooperation deal with the United States when President George W. Bush was in office.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

NATIONAL stereotypes can become outdated.

The Economist

Has email become outdated?

The Guardian

Which will eventually become outdated, maybe.

The New Yorker

Mr. Wells said his skills had already become outdated.

The New York Times

Even the theory of supply and demand has become outdated.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "became outdated", ensure that the context clearly indicates what caused the shift. Specify whether it's due to technological advancements, changing social norms, or other factors to provide a complete understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "became outdated" without specifying what exactly became outdated. For example, instead of saying "The system became outdated", specify "The accounting system became outdated due to the introduction of new regulations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became outdated" functions as a verb phrase indicating a transition from a state of being current or relevant to a state of being obsolete or no longer applicable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something losing its relevance over time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "became outdated" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to denote the transition of something from a state of relevance to obsolescence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When utilizing this phrase, it's advisable to specify the cause of obsolescence for clarity. Alternatives include "became obsolete" or "became irrelevant", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became obsolete

Emphasizes that something is no longer produced or used; implies being completely out of date.

became antiquated

Suggests that something is old-fashioned and no longer suitable for modern use.

became irrelevant

Focuses on the loss of importance or applicability to the current situation.

became outmoded

Highlights the fact that something is no longer in style or fashionable.

became stale

Implies that something has lost its freshness and is no longer interesting or effective.

fell into disuse

Suggests that something was once used but is no longer practiced or utilized.

lost its currency

Indicates a loss of validity or acceptance, particularly in terms of information or ideas.

is no longer applicable

Emphasizes that something doesn't suit present conditions anymore.

went out of style

Focuses on the change of fashion and taste.

became superseded

Highlights that something has been replaced by something newer or better.

FAQs

How can I use "became outdated" in a sentence?

You can use "became outdated" to describe something that is no longer current or relevant. For example: "The software "became outdated" after the release of a new version".

What can I say instead of "became outdated"?

You can use alternatives like "became obsolete", "became irrelevant", or "became antiquated" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "became outdated" or "is outdated"?

"Became outdated" implies a process of change over time, while "is outdated" describes the current state. Use "became outdated" when emphasizing the transition, and "is outdated" when describing the present condition.

What's the difference between "became outdated" and "was outdated"?

"Became outdated" signifies a change that occurred at some point in the past, while "was outdated" simply states that something was in an outdated state at a particular time. The former emphasizes the process of becoming obsolete.