becomes outdated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becomes outdated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is no longer current or relevant over time. Example: "As technology advances, many software programs quickly become outdated and require updates to remain functional."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Or what if the program crashes, loses data, or becomes outdated?

The Economist

In Syria, more than most places, only eyewitness information is worth much and even then it swiftly becomes outdated.

Independent

This last aspect is especially relevant for electrical substations that have been developed over spans of decades because the original CAD design model becomes outdated.

Optics & Laser Technology

With time, technology becomes outdated, so weapons must be redesigned, giving the top brass a chance to tinker endlessly with requirements.

The Economist

Changes in your information: If any of the information on the form becomes outdated, especially your country of residence, please notify us within 30 days.

The Guardian

>> Nelson's Weblog Interesting: the younger the idea on which a piece of iconography is based, the more quickly it becomes outdated.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

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NATIONAL stereotypes can become outdated.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Has email become outdated?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Which will eventually become outdated, maybe.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

Pregnancy will have become outdated.

The Guardian

This approach has become outdated, however.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing rapidly evolving fields like technology or science, use "becomes outdated" to emphasize the need for continuous learning and adaptation. For instance, 'In the field of AI, knowledge becomes outdated quickly, requiring constant updates.'

Common error

Avoid using "becomes outdated" when describing something that was never current to begin with. Instead of saying 'This ancient map becomes outdated', consider 'This ancient map is outdated' to reflect its inherent lack of current relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes outdated" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of losing relevance or currency over time. This usage is consistent across a variety of contexts, as shown by Ludwig. It describes the dynamic nature of information, skills, or technology that gradually lose their value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becomes outdated" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe the process of something losing its relevance or currency over time. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. The phrase serves to emphasize the need for continuous adaptation and innovation. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use "becomes outdated" precisely, avoiding its application to things that were never current to begin with. Alternatives like "becomes obsolete" or "loses relevance" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "becomes outdated" allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes obsolete

Implies a complete loss of utility due to new developments.

loses relevance

Emphasizes a decline in importance or applicability.

is no longer current

Highlights a lack of up-to-dateness, focusing on time-sensitive information.

becomes old-fashioned

Indicates a lack of modern appeal or relevance.

falls into disuse

Indicates something is no longer used, highlighting a decline in practical application.

is outmoded

Similar to antiquated, but can also refer to styles or methods.

becomes antiquated

Suggests old-fashionedness and inappropriateness for modern use.

is superseded

Suggests replacement by something newer or more effective.

is overtaken by events

Emphasizes how changes made it obsolete.

is invalidated

Points out that something which was valid is not any longer.

FAQs

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

You can use "becomes outdated" to describe anything that loses its relevance or accuracy over time. For example, "Technology in the classroom quickly "becomes outdated" without regular updates."

What's a good alternative to "becomes outdated"?

Alternatives to "becomes outdated" include phrases like "becomes obsolete", "loses relevance", or "falls into disuse", depending on the specific context.

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

The choice depends on whether you're describing a process of becoming obsolete over time ("becomes outdated") or a static state of being obsolete ("is outdated").

What makes information or skills "become outdated"?

Information or skills "become outdated" due to advancements in technology, shifts in societal norms, or new research findings that render previous knowledge obsolete.