fallen into disuse

USAGE SUMMARY

"fallen into disuse" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that was once commonly used or practiced but is now rarely used or practiced. Example: "In the age of smartphones, handwritten letters have fallen into disuse." In this sentence, "fallen into disuse" is used to show that the act of writing handwritten letters was once common but is now uncommon due to the prevalence of smartphones.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they have since fallen into disuse.

The Guardian

(Yahoo's own, once-popular messenger service had fallen into disuse).

The New Yorker

Ethiofencarb, a NMC which has nowadays fallen into disuse was used as internal standard.

Analytica Chimica Acta

By the Middle Ages the Roman safety-pin type of fibula had fallen into disuse.

Britannica

The latest IMC report says the IRA's seven-man army council has fallen into "disuse".

The Guardian

Many in Marseille have fallen into disuse; others are frequently closed for repairs.

The New York Times

All, that is, except for the one in the adjacent field which has fallen into disuse.

The Guardian

Among feminine gestures that have fallen into disuse is the flounce.

The New Yorker

We are not talking about paths that have fallen into disuse.

The Guardian

The virulent hue was fashionable in 19th-century glass but has fallen into disuse now.

Independent

Hotlines set up between leaders of the two countries have always fallen into disuse.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To specify a time period when use ended, add a prepositional phrase. For example: "This method fell into disuse during the 1980s."

Common error

Ensure you're using "disuse" to indicate lack of use, not "abuse" which means misuse or maltreatment. While similar, they are not interchangeable and drastically alter the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fallen into disuse" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to characterize something—be it a practice, technology, or concept—that was once prevalent but is now rarely employed. Ludwig confirms its proper usage, as demonstrated in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fallen into disuse" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something that was once common but is now rare. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. It appears most often in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts. While synonyms like "become obsolete" or "lapsed into obscurity" exist, "fallen into disuse" specifically highlights a gradual decline. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a historical shift and is not confused with similar terms like "abuse".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ceased to be used

A more direct and literal way of saying that something is no longer in use.

become outdated

Focuses on the fact that something is no longer current or up-to-date.

become obsolete

Focuses on the state of being outdated and no longer applicable.

become antiquated

Highlights the old-fashioned and outdated nature of something.

become outmoded

Similar to outdated but emphasizes it's no longer conforming to the current model.

gone out of fashion

Specifically refers to a decline in popularity, particularly in trends and styles.

become a thing of the past

Emphasizes that something belongs to a previous era and is no longer current.

no longer in vogue

Similar to "gone out of fashion", but can apply to a wider range of things beyond just trends.

lapsed into obscurity

Highlights the loss of prominence or recognition.

become defunct

Indicates that something is no longer functional or operational.

FAQs

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

Use "fallen into disuse" to describe something that was once commonly used or practiced but is now rarely used. For example, "Many traditional skills have "become obsolete" and "fallen into disuse" due to technological advancements."

What's the difference between "fallen into disuse" and "out of use"?

"Fallen into disuse" implies a gradual decline in usage over time, whereas "out of use" simply means something is not currently being used, without necessarily implying a past history of common usage.

What are some synonyms for "fallen into disuse"?

Synonyms include "become obsolete", "gone out of fashion", "lapsed into obscurity", or "ceased to be used". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, it is correct. As Ludwig AI confirms, "fallen into disuse" is a standard and accepted phrase in English to describe something that is no longer commonly used or practiced.