consigned to obscurity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consigned to obscurity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has been forgotten or is no longer recognized or remembered. Example: "Despite his early success, the artist was eventually consigned to obscurity, with few remembering his contributions to the art world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Hitler invaded Poland that year, and Elias's book was consigned to obscurity.

The New York Times - Arts

Pity the photographic negative, consigned to obscurity as digital photographs are manipulated with ease on the computer screen.

The New York Times - Arts

He assumes that one day he will once again be consigned to obscurity; at best, occasionally recognised as the man who used to be Alan Carr.

The Guardian

The last thing Mr. Kent expected in the year 2000 is that someone -- in New Haven, no less -- would want to exhibit his slate prints, consigned to obscurity beneath dust- and cobweb-laden tarpaulins in his barn.

The New York Times

To these ears his performance made the case for Mendelssohn's first thoughts, whose grander manner is more in keeping with the rest, and which has a trio one would not wish to be consigned to obscurity.

The Guardian - Music

From a Wellingborough comprehensive, Eliot Lamb went up to Oxford with a girlfriend at home and a chip on his shoulder; a Jude "who would not be consigned to obscurity".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Even without the eternal surfeit of sawdust-packed blockbusters, bird-brain celeb bios, conquer-the-cosmos manuals ad nauseam, the organs of the trade aren't big or wide or quick enough to catch every rock in the nonstop avalanche of output, and if countless authors thus consigned to undeserved obscurity for their Sisyphean labors refuse to succumb gracefully, they're profoundly human.

The New York Times - Books

All of which raises the question: If Hayek was so wise, why was he consigned to relative obscurity in both universities and public discourse for most of his life?

Forbes

First let's live; later we'll philosophize All of which raises the question: If Hayek was so wise, why was he consigned to relative obscurity in both universities and public discourse for most of his life?

Forbes

It would be consigned to semi-obscurity, along with Bizet's other lesser known stage works such as Ivan IV and La Jolie Fille de Perth (a far more convincing piece dramatically), leaving Carmen the only regular in the repertory.

The Guardian - Music

The Spanish dance smacks of Torremolinos restaurant entertainment and raffia donkeys, and the Chinese dance, all inanely nodding heads and pointy fingers, should be consigned to the same obscurity as the now notorious "picaninny" dance from La Bayadère.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "consigned to obscurity" when you want to emphasize that something or someone has been actively forgotten or ignored, rather than simply fading from memory.

Common error

Avoid using "consigned to obscurity" when describing things that naturally faded into the past. This phrase implies an active choice to forget or ignore.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consigned to obscurity" functions as a passive construction, where something or someone is subjected to being forgotten or overlooked. This usage, as seen in Ludwig, suggests an action that leads to a state of being unknown or disregarded.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "consigned to obscurity" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe the act of something or someone being deliberately forgotten or overlooked. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is more common in journalistic contexts, carrying a neutral to slightly formal tone. While it is used correctly across various sources, it is important to note that its strength lies in emphasizing that the obscurity wasn't accidental, but a result of certain actions or circumstances. Therefore, ensure that the context warrants this implication when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relegated to oblivion

Focuses on the act of pushing something into a state of being forgotten, rather than simply being forgotten.

relegated to the shadows

Emphasizes a lack of visibility or recognition.

fallen into disuse

Describes something that was once used but is no longer active or relevant.

passed into oblivion

Highlights the process of fading from memory over time.

fallen into neglect

Focuses on the lack of care or attention leading to obscurity.

become a footnote in history

Implies something is only a minor or insignificant part of history.

disappeared from view

Suggests a complete lack of visibility or presence.

lost to the sands of time

Evokes a sense of irreversible forgetting over a long period.

faded into insignificance

Emphasizes the loss of importance or relevance.

become ancient history

Suggests that something is no longer relevant or important.

FAQs

How can I use "consigned to obscurity" in a sentence?

Use "consigned to obscurity" to describe something that has been deliberately forgotten or overlooked. For example, "Many promising inventions were "consigned to obscurity" due to lack of funding".

What phrases are similar to "consigned to obscurity"?

Alternatives to "consigned to obscurity" include "relegated to oblivion", "fallen into disuse", or "lost to the sands of time".

Is it correct to say "assign to obscurity" instead of "consigned to obscurity"?

While "assign" can mean to allocate or attribute something, "consign" in this context carries the specific meaning of assigning something to an undesirable fate. "Assign to obscurity" is not a standard or idiomatic phrase and would be less common.

What's the difference between "consigned to obscurity" and "forgotten"?

"Forgotten" simply means not remembered. "Consigned to obscurity" implies a more deliberate action or process that led to something being not only forgotten but also actively disregarded or suppressed.