became unusable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became unusable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an object or item that has lost its functionality or usefulness over time or due to certain conditions. Example: "After the storm, the old generator became unusable and needed to be replaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Our beaches and docks and flats became unusable.

The New York Times

With the Soviet invasion of 1979, and the national resistance that rose up to fight it, the area was soon seeded with landmines and became unusable.

The Guardian

As the ship listed to starboard, submerging almost half of the vessel, the lifeboats on that side became unusable and people leapt into the water.

The Guardian

Thus the war of 1914 converted the Germans overnight into Huns, guilty of frightfulness a harmless if rare and ugly word that thereby, like appeasement later, became unusable in its wider, unloaded sense.

The Economist

It describes in detail how the problem manifested for a variety of iPhone 6 Plus users, including Pennsylvania resident Thomas Davidson, whose phone became unusable less than two years after purchase.

The Guardian - Tech

(The much mocked overpreparation for a Year 2000 computer crash came in very handy, because all the major financial institutions and the Federal Reserve had built or upgraded off-site backup systems that could function after their main systems became unusable).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"When does a word (Christian) become unusable?" she asked.

The Guardian - Books

They filled up so quickly that they become unusable.

The Guardian - Music

Words also can become unusable, paradoxically, through excessive usefulness — overuse.

The New Yorker

Does potting soil become unusable after a couple of years?

The New York Times

Words become unusable for all sorts of reasons.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the state of disrepair or obsolescence of equipment, infrastructure, or systems, use "became unusable" to clearly convey their inability to function as intended. It implies a loss of utility, whether gradual or sudden.

Common error

Avoid using "became unusable" when you simply mean something was not used. "Became unusable" indicates a loss of functionality, whereas something "wasn't used" may still be functional but simply not utilized. Ensure you accurately reflect the reason for the lack of utility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became unusable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun after undergoing a change that renders it no longer fit for its intended purpose. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with various examples from news articles, encyclopedias and science journals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became unusable" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the state of something that has lost its functionality or utility. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples from diverse sources, showing its common use in news, science, and general contexts. While alternatives like "became inoperable" or "became defunct" exist, the specific choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. When writing, ensure that "became unusable" accurately reflects a loss of function, rather than simply a lack of use. Overall, it's a reliable way to communicate that something is no longer fit for its intended purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became inoperable

Focuses on the mechanical or functional aspect of not being able to operate.

became defunct

Implies a more formal or official end to usability, often for systems or organizations.

became non-functional

Emphasizes the lack of ability to perform its intended function.

became unserviceable

Suggests that the item is beyond repair or maintenance.

became out of order

A more informal way to describe a temporary or easily fixable state of unusability.

became impaired

Suggests a reduction in usability rather than complete unusability.

became obsolete

Indicates that something is no longer usable because it is outdated.

became broken

Highlights physical damage as the cause of unusability.

became ineffective

Focuses on the loss of the ability to achieve a desired result.

became irrelevant

Indicates that something is no longer applicable or important, leading to its unusability in a particular context.

FAQs

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

You can use "became unusable" to describe when something lost its ability to be used. For example: "After the flood, the road "became unusable"".

What can I say instead of "became unusable"?

You can use alternatives like "became inoperable", "became defunct", or "became non-functional" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "turned unusable" instead of "became unusable"?

Yes, "turned unusable" is a grammatically correct alternative to "became unusable", although ""became unusable"" is more common.

What's the difference between "became unusable" and "became useless"?

"Became unusable" specifically implies a loss of functionality, while "became useless" suggests a loss of purpose or value. A tool might "became unusable" due to damage, but it "became useless" if a better tool is invented.