gathered dust

USAGE SUMMARY

"gathered dust" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an object that has been left alone for a long period of time and has become coated with dust. For example, "The old painting had been forgotten in the attic, and had gathered dust for many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The reports have gathered dust.

The Economist

Since then the report has gathered dust.

Independent

Mr. Caruso's guitar gathered dust in the small living room.

The New York Times

"We kept doing provocative studies that gathered dust," he recalls.

The New York Times - Magazine

A stretch limousine gathered dust in the parking lot.

The Guardian

Work and family responsibilities increased and my cello gathered dust.

The New York Times

Harpsichords mainly gathered dust in the furniture collections of museums.

The New York Times

We brought the baby home from the hospital and the tennis rackets gathered dust.

The New Yorker

But it has since gathered dust, as several political conditions have not been fulfilled.

The Economist

An "open democracy" bill has gathered dust in Mr Mbeki's in-tray for five years.

The Economist

The film, shot in the early 1980s, also gathered dust until perestroika.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gathered dust" to add a sense of time and neglect to your writing. For instance, instead of saying "the report was ignored", you could say "the report gathered dust on the shelf".

Common error

Avoid using "gathered dust" when the inaction is due to active suppression rather than passive neglect. For example, saying "the evidence gathered dust" might be misleading if the evidence was intentionally hidden. Consider using "suppressed" or "hidden" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gathered dust" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing a state of neglect or disuse, indicating that something has been left untouched for a considerable time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gathered dust" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a state of neglect or disuse. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and numerous examples from news and media sources illustrate its widespread use. It effectively conveys a sense of abandonment and stagnation, often implying criticism of inaction. While neutral in register, its usage is most prevalent in news and media contexts. Consider alternatives like "fallen into disuse" for more formal situations. Avoid using it when describing active suppression rather than passive neglect. Overall, "gathered dust" is a useful and expressive idiom for conveying the idea of something being forgotten or left unused over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fallen into disuse

Emphasizes the state of no longer being used or practiced; suggests a gradual decline.

been neglected

Highlights the lack of care or attention given to something, leading to its deterioration.

been shelved

Suggests that something has been put aside and is not currently being considered or acted upon.

become obsolete

Indicates that something is no longer useful or relevant due to technological advancements or changing trends.

been forgotten

Focuses on the lack of memory or consideration given to something, leading to its abandonment.

lain dormant

Implies a state of inactivity or suspension, with the potential for future revival.

gone unused

Simply states that something has not been used, without necessarily implying neglect or obsolescence.

remained untouched

Emphasizes the lack of physical contact or interaction with something, suggesting it has been left undisturbed.

accumulated cobwebs

Uses a more vivid image to suggest that something has been left alone and is deteriorating.

become stale

Suggests that something has lost its freshness or appeal due to age or lack of use.

FAQs

How can I use "gathered dust" in a sentence?

You can use "gathered dust" to describe objects, plans, or ideas that have been neglected or unused for a significant period. For example: "The old guitar "gathered dust" in the attic" or "The project proposal "gathered dust" on the manager's desk".

What's a more formal alternative to "gathered dust"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "fallen into disuse" or "been neglected". These options convey a similar meaning but are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it correct to say "collects dust" instead of "gathered dust"?

While "collects dust" is grammatically correct, it describes an ongoing process rather than a past state of neglect. "Gathered dust" implies that something has been sitting unused for some time, whereas "collects dust" simply means that dust is accumulating.

What does it mean when someone says a report has "gathered dust"?

When someone says a report has ""gathered dust"", it means that the report has been completed but has not been acted upon or implemented. It suggests that the report has been forgotten or ignored, often implying criticism of the lack of action.