become obsolete

USAGE SUMMARY

"become obsolete" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has become no longer useful, no longer valid or no longer appropriate due to advancement or change. For example: "Many old fashioned techniques of farming have become obsolete due to modern technologies".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Learning will become obsolete.

The New York Times - Science

Nor have meetings become obsolete.

The New York Times - Tech

Will passwords ever become obsolete?

Independent

Mechanical systems become obsolete.

The New York Times - Arts

Prostitution will become obsolete.

The Guardian - Tech

Of course some things will become obsolete.

The New York Times

HPTs, and toads, had become obsolete.

The Guardian

For some reason, it's become obsolete".

The New York Times - Sports

And the smaller technologies will become obsolete".

The New York Times

Those very icons that define a sailor have become obsolete.

The New York Times

You think your camera, camcorder and computer become obsolete quickly?

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become obsolete" to describe the natural progression of ideas or concepts that lose their applicability over time.

Common error

Avoid using "become obsolete" when something is only temporarily out of use. Obsolescence implies a permanent or near-permanent state of being outdated and unlikely to return to widespread use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become obsolete" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a clause. It describes the process of something losing its usefulness or relevance over time. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become obsolete" is a verb phrase used to describe the process by which something loses its usefulness or relevance, often due to technological advancements or changing societal norms. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and science. When writing, it's essential to distinguish obsolescence from temporary disuse. Alternatives such as ""become outdated"" or "fall into disuse" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. As you can see from Ludwig's examples, this expression appears across a wide array of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become outdated

Highlights the aspect of being surpassed by newer developments.

become outmoded

Similar to outdated, but with a stronger emphasis on being old-fashioned.

lose relevance

Focuses on the decrease in importance or pertinence.

fall into disuse

Emphasis on the process of ceasing to be used or practiced.

become defunct

Indicates that something is no longer functioning or operational.

go out of fashion

Specifically refers to losing popularity or trendiness.

grow antiquated

Emphasizes a gradual process of becoming old and outdated.

be superseded

Highlights the replacement of something by a superior alternative.

become a thing of the past

Emphasizes the idea of belonging to a bygone era.

cease to exist

Indicates a complete end to something's presence or function.

FAQs

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

You can use "become obsolete" to describe something that is no longer useful because something newer and better has been invented. For example, "Typewriters have largely "become outdated" as computers became more common".

What's a good alternative to "become obsolete"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like ""become outdated"", "fall into disuse", or "lose relevance".

What makes something "become obsolete"?

Something typically "become obsolete" due to technological advancements, changes in societal norms, or the introduction of more efficient or effective alternatives. This often results in the older item or practice being seen as no longer useful or relevant.

Is "become obsolete" the same as "become outdated"?

While similar, "become obsolete" suggests a more complete and irreversible state of being out of use, whereas ""become outdated"" might imply that something is simply less current but still potentially functional or relevant in some contexts.