has grown stale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has grown stale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has become uninteresting, outdated, or no longer fresh over time. Example: "The once-popular television series has grown stale, failing to capture the audience's attention in its latest season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Their love has grown stale.

The New Yorker

Although it has grown stale, it was harmless.

The New York Times - Sports

She said the behaviour has "grown stale and tiresome".

Independent

Its programming has become lackluster, the music has grown stale and, unsurprisingly, listeners have tuned out.

The New York Times - Arts

So with the kids gone, it seems more burdensome to stay in a bad relationship, or even one that has grown stale".

The New York Times

In most recent baseball parks, however, the retro trend has grown stale, as if the architects are simply going through the retro motions.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

He has had six one-man shows on Broadway, and no matter how many of his former fans have, like me, fallen away over the years as his material has grown staler and less shrewd and his demeanor more intolerant and self-justifying, legions of admirers will undoubtedly track him to the Brooks Atkinson Theater, where "Laughing Room Only" opened last night.

The New York Times

They acknowledge that their sport may have grown stale.

The New York Times - Sports

But the festival's offerings have grown stale in the eyes of many.

The New York Times - Arts

Too many boomers, the polls show, have grown stale, darkly cynical, disgusted by their jobs.

The New York Times

Things that had grown stale from familiarity now drew his attention.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has grown stale" to describe trends, ideas, or relationships that were once engaging but have lost their appeal due to overuse or lack of innovation. Ensure the context clearly indicates the element that has deteriorated.

Common error

While "has grown stale" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language to convey the specific nuance of decline, such as "has diminished in relevance" or "has become less effective."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has grown stale" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a state of decline or deterioration. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has grown stale" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that has lost its freshness, appeal, or effectiveness over time. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's frequently used in news and media contexts, with arts and sports being other common areas of usage. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more sophisticated alternatives in highly formal writing. Related phrases include "has become boring" and "has lost its appeal". When using this phrase, make sure the context clearly defines the element that is deteriorating.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has become boring

Replaces "stale" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the lack of interest.

has lost its appeal

Focuses on the diminishing attractiveness or desirability of something.

has become tiresome

Emphasizes the weariness or annoyance caused by something repetitive or prolonged.

has lost its edge

Indicates a decline in sharpness, innovation, or competitive advantage.

has run its course

Suggests that something has reached its natural end and is no longer effective.

has become outdated

Highlights that something is no longer current or relevant.

has passed its prime

Indicates that something was once at its best but is now declining.

has become predictable

Focuses on the lack of novelty or surprise, leading to disinterest.

has lost its novelty

Emphasizes the diminishing sense of newness or uniqueness.

is no longer fresh

Directly addresses the lack of originality or innovation.

FAQs

How can I use "has grown stale" in a sentence?

You can use "has grown stale" to describe something that was once fresh or interesting but has become uninteresting or boring over time. For example, "The plot of the TV series "has grown stale" after so many seasons."

What are some alternatives to "has grown stale"?

Alternatives include "has become boring", "has lost its appeal", or "has become outdated" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "has grown stale" in formal writing?

While "has grown stale" is generally acceptable, it may be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and sophisticated alternatives to convey the specific nuance of decline.

What's the difference between "has grown stale" and "has become old"?

"Has become old" generally refers to age or duration, while "has grown stale" implies a loss of freshness, interest, or effectiveness. Something can be old without being stale, and vice versa.