fall into disuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fall into disuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is becoming less and less common or popular over time. For example, it might be used in a sentence like "Many once popular hobbies have fallen into disuse in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Things fall into disuse, then desuetude.

The Guardian - Books

The danger is that once closed, they will stay closed and fall into disuse.

The Guardian

De-development, in fact, because existing schools, hospitals and businesses may fall into disuse or go under.

The Guardian

"A lot of times products fall into disuse because farmers themselves decide they are not worthy of the marketplace.

The New York Times - Food

Although themes may fall into disuse, they do not become obsolete so readily as in sophisticated art.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Wantagh Park, a supervisor has watched the tennis courts fall into disuse and disrepair and has suggested that the space be converted to a miniature golf course.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Facilities fell into disuse.

The New York Times - Arts

The cliché fell into disuse.

The Economist

Everything else fell into disuse.

The New Yorker

The decoys fell into disuse.

The New York Times

The custom has been falling into disuse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fall into disuse", ensure the context clearly indicates what is becoming less used or obsolete. Specify the reasons or factors contributing to this decline to provide a more complete picture.

Common error

Avoid using "fall into disuse" to describe something that stops abruptly. This phrase implies a gradual decline, not a sudden cessation. Use alternative phrasing like "was discontinued" or "ceased to be used" for sudden stops.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall into disuse" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual decline in usage or popularity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fall into disuse" describes the gradual decline in usage or popularity, as validated by Ludwig. It is commonly found in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While grammatically correct, it is important to consider the gradual nature of the phrase and avoid using it to describe abrupt stops. Alternatives such as "become obsolete" or "fade away" may be more suitable in certain situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, "fall into disuse" serves as a valuable way to communicate the slow decline of something over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become obsolete

Focuses on the outdated nature of something, implying it's no longer applicable or used.

become outdated

Highlights the fact that something is no longer current or fashionable.

lapse into obsolescence

Highlights a gradual process of becoming obsolete.

go out of fashion

Specifically refers to trends or styles that are no longer popular.

grow archaic

Focuses on the ancient or old-fashioned nature of something.

become defunct

Emphasizes that something is no longer functioning or in use.

fade away

Suggests a gradual decline in prominence or usage.

lose currency

Indicates a loss of relevance or acceptance.

become neglected

Implies a lack of attention or care, leading to reduced use.

sink into oblivion

Suggests a complete disappearance from memory or use.

FAQs

How can I use "fall into disuse" in a sentence?

You can use "fall into disuse" to describe something that is gradually becoming less common or is no longer being used. For example: "Many traditional skills have "fallen into disuse" due to technological advancements."

What's the difference between "fall into disuse" and "become obsolete"?

"Fall into disuse" indicates a gradual decline in usage, while "become obsolete" suggests something is no longer functional or relevant. Something that "falls into disuse" might still be functional, but is simply not used, while something that becomes obsolete is typically no longer viable.

What are some alternatives to "fall into disuse"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "become obsolete", "fade away", or "become neglected" as alternatives to "fall into disuse".

Is it correct to say something has "fallen into disuse"?

Yes, "fallen into disuse" is the past participle form of "fall into disuse" and is grammatically correct. It is used to describe something that has already experienced a decline in usage.