close to oblivion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to oblivion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being nearly forgotten or insignificant, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After years of neglect, the once-popular band found themselves close to oblivion, with few fans remembering their music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I certainly won't be going down the route of sending the club close to oblivion, because without the chairman here that's where this club would be.

Independent

"We stopped being close because David turned his back on me," insisted Harrison, whose career has come close to oblivion on several occasions.

Independent

Indigenous fiction has continued to flourish since then but until the release of Whale Rider many feared that Maori film-making was following a different path: since its early 1990s heyday, it appeared to be drifting dangerously close to oblivion.

The Guardian - Film

This is his centenary, and (like Erick Hawkins and Anna Sokolow, two other dance makers born in 1910) Nikolais, who died in 1993, is a prime example of a once prominent dance artist who is in danger of slipping through the cracks of history into something close to oblivion.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

— With every drenching storm, this little fishing town gets a little closer to oblivion.

The New York Times

Odissi, which came the closest to oblivion, derives from the state of Orissa on India's east coast; Karnataka, including Nrityagram, is southwest and largely inland.

The New York Times - Arts

That sanctuary will inch one step closer to oblivion today when the Federal Communications Commission begins to auction off frequencies for in-flight Internet service.

The New York Times - Tech

But then again I do not care, all is vanity, and many times I think I am nothing but a big swishing gurgling pumping clock, walking backwards and forwards along the road to Bellingen each day, spring, summer, flies, moths, dragonflies, all fluttering flittering tiny clocks, a mist of clocks, each moment closer to oblivion.

The New Yorker

Through a series of restructurings, the Phoenix consortium has arranged MG Rover's interests and assets so that the executives have raked in millions while the car company they said they would save edges closer to oblivion; 2005 is shaping up to be the make or break year.

The Guardian - Business

But he also seemed surprisingly upbeat for someone who recent polls say may be close to political oblivion, delivering a forceful defense of his administration in several appearances on Saturday.

The New York Times

However, it was also true that not only did Clarke, opener Chris Rogers and the impressive young fighter Steve Smith lay claim to the first day of a Test that had to be won, they also survived a couple of aggravating disasters that might have broken a force so close to competitive oblivion.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close to oblivion" when you want to emphasize that something is not completely forgotten or destroyed, but is very near that state. It suggests a precarious position where complete disappearance is a real possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "close to oblivion" if the subject is already completely forgotten or destroyed. The phrase implies a state just before total disappearance, not a state of absolute non-existence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to oblivion" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is in a state of near non-existence or insignificance. As Ludwig AI states, it’s usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to oblivion" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a state of near disappearance or insignificance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is particularly suitable for conveying a sense of impending loss or forgetfulness. While its frequency is uncommon, its usage is prevalent in news and media contexts. When writing, it's important to use this phrase to describe something that’s nearly gone, not something that’s already disappeared. Alternatives like "nearing obscurity" or "on the verge of being forgotten" can be used to add variety and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing obscurity

Focuses on the gradual loss of recognition or importance.

on the verge of being forgotten

Emphasizes the potential for complete forgetfulness.

approaching insignificance

Highlights the diminishing importance or impact.

slipping into obscurity

Implies a gradual and often unnoticed decline.

fading into nothingness

Stresses the idea of complete disappearance and lack of existence.

becoming irrelevant

Focuses on the loss of relevance or importance in a particular context.

on the brink of extinction

Suggests imminent disappearance, especially applicable to species or traditions.

facing annihilation

Emphasizes the threat of complete destruction or obliteration.

drifting into oblivion

Implies a slow and passive movement towards being forgotten.

descending into forgetfulness

Highlights the process of gradually being forgotten.

FAQs

How can I use "close to oblivion" in a sentence?

You can use "close to oblivion" to describe something that is nearing a state of being forgotten or insignificant, such as "The small town was "close to oblivion" after the factory closed".

What are some alternatives to "close to oblivion"?

Alternatives include "nearing obscurity", "on the verge of being forgotten", or "slipping into obscurity". Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

Is "close to oblivion" formal or informal?

"Close to oblivion" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in news and media or literary writing.

What does it mean when something is "close to oblivion"?

It means that something is in danger of being completely forgotten, destroyed, or rendered insignificant. It is not yet gone, but it is very near that state.