become defunct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become defunct" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has become inactive, obsolete, or non-existent. For example: The local library became defunct due to budget cuts.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It won't be the first time a word has  become defunct through misuse or changing times.

The New York Times

But club members also face a choice: buy your capsules from Nespresso – or your expensive machine become defunct.

Independent

If the Pac-10 swiped six teams from the Big 12 and Missouri or Nebraska went to the Big Ten, the Big 12 would become defunct.

The New York Times - Sports

The NAACP is in charge of administering the award, with Howard and Fisk universities designated as alternates should the NAACP ever become defunct.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was thought that the institution, an idea imported from the US by Brown, had become defunct, but it appears to have been revived by Osborne.

The Guardian

Those days of affordability, however, appear to have largely vanished, and over the last decade or so many of the creative groups that once had a home in the East Village have moved or become defunct.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

That channel became defunct when the latter quit Number 10.

The Guardian

Subsequently the mineral line was linked to the viaduct, and the incline became defunct.

The Guardian

The priesthood became defunct with the destruction of Herod's Temple and the cessation of sacrifices in ad 70.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The NRC was established on Oct. 11, 1974, by President Gerald Ford as one of two successor organizations to the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), which became defunct on that same day.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Named for Queen Adelaide, consort of the British king William IV, it was incorporated as Australia's first municipal government in 1840, but the city council ran into considerable debt and became defunct in 1843.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become defunct" to describe entities, systems, or practices that are no longer in use or operation. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "become defunct" to describe temporary situations or items that are merely broken. The phrase implies a permanent end to something's existence or functionality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become defunct" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state change. It describes the process of something ceasing to exist, operate, or be valid. The examples from Ludwig show its usage across various contexts, from describing organizations to technologies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become defunct" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the process of something ceasing to exist or function. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and wikis. While generally neutral in register, it is crucial to use this phrase accurately, ensuring it reflects a permanent end rather than a temporary disruption. Related phrases include "cease to exist" and "become obsolete", each with slightly different nuances. By understanding its proper usage and contexts, you can effectively communicate the termination or cessation of entities, systems, or practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cease to exist

Emphasizes the termination of existence, which is a more drastic outcome.

become obsolete

Highlights that something is no longer useful due to advancements or changes.

become inactive

Implies a temporary or permanent state of non-operation.

become outmoded

Indicates a loss of style or relevance due to newer trends.

fall into disuse

Focuses on the gradual decline and lack of usage over time, rather than a complete end.

become non-functional

Focuses on the loss of ability to perform its intended function.

fade away

Implies a gradual disappearance or decline.

become invalid

Indicates that something is no longer legally or officially recognized.

go out of business

Specifically refers to a business or company that stops operating.

be terminated

Suggests a formal end or cancellation.

FAQs

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

You can use "become defunct" to describe something that has ceased to exist or is no longer in use. For example, "The old factory "became defunct" after the new regulations were implemented".

What is a more formal way to say "become defunct"?

A more formal way to express "become defunct" is to say "cease to exist" or "become obsolete", depending on the specific context. For instance, "The department "ceased to exist" after the reorganization".

Is it correct to say "becomes defunct" or "became defunct"?

Both "becomes defunct" and "became defunct" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different tenses. "Becomes defunct" is present tense, while "became defunct" is past tense. For example, "The program "becomes defunct" next year" versus "The program "became defunct" last year".

What's the difference between "become defunct" and "become obsolete"?

"Become defunct" indicates that something has stopped functioning or existing entirely, while "become obsolete" means that something is no longer useful because it has been replaced by something newer or more efficient. A technology could "become obsolete", but an organization would "become defunct".