become outdated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become outdated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is no longer current or relevant, often due to the passage of time or advancements in technology. Example: "With the rapid advancements in technology, many traditional methods of communication have become outdated."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

59 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NATIONAL stereotypes can become outdated.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Has email become outdated?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Which will eventually become outdated, maybe.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

Inland, they adorn pickup trucks.But the stereotypes may become outdated.

The Economist

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 Wells said his skills had already become outdated.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Even the theory of supply and demand has become outdated.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

A classical music entry for Vermont has become outdated.

The New York Times - Arts

But since then, he said, that information has become outdated.

The New York Times

Inevitably, maps become outdated as stores close and new ones replace them.

The New York Times - Tech

Certain scientific works endure as literature long after their scientific content has become outdated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But remember that just like guidebooks, Web sites often become outdated.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become outdated" when referring to information, skills, or technologies that are no longer current or effective. Avoid using it for things that are inherently timeless or abstract.

Common error

While "become outdated" is generally acceptable, overuse in casual conversation can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "old" or "no longer relevant" when speaking informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become outdated" functions as a verb phrase indicating a transition from a state of being current and useful to one of being obsolete or irrelevant. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage, as shown in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become outdated" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes the process of something losing its relevance or currency over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across various domains, including news, science, and general writing. While there are several alternatives, such as "become obsolete" or "lose relevance", "become outdated" strikes a balance between formality and clarity, making it a reliable choice for expressing temporal obsolescence. When using this phrase, provide context about the cause of the obsolescence for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become obsolete

Implies a complete loss of function or use, a stronger term.

become antiquated

Suggests something is old and no longer suitable for modern times.

become outmoded

Similar to "become obsolete" but slightly less forceful.

lose relevance

Highlights the loss of importance or connection to current events.

become archaic

Suggests the item or practice is extremely old and rarely used.

fall out of fashion

Focuses more on trends and style rather than general relevance.

go out of style

Similar to "fall out of fashion" focusing on trends.

become passé

A French term indicating something is no longer fashionable or current.

grow stale

Emphasizes the loss of freshness or interest over time.

become superannuated

Implies something has aged beyond usefulness or efficiency.

FAQs

What is an alternative to "become outdated"?

You can use alternatives like "become obsolete", "lose relevance", or "fall out of fashion" depending on the context.

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

You can use "become outdated" to describe something that is no longer current or effective due to advancements or changes. For example: "Traditional teaching methods can become outdated if technology is not integrated into the curriculum."

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

"Become outdated" implies something is no longer current or relevant but may still have some use. "Become obsolete", on the other hand, suggests a complete loss of function or use. Something that "become obsolete" is no longer needed or used at all.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "become outdated"?

It is appropriate to use "become outdated" when discussing information, skills, or technologies that are no longer current or effective. It's particularly suitable in academic, professional, and technical contexts where precision is important.