invalid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "invalid" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is not valid, such as an argument, a claim, or a document that does not meet the required standards. Example: "The application was rejected because it contained invalid information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lawyers for the two men appeared in the federal court in Sydney on Friday seeking to have the notices declared invalid and cancelled.

The Guardian

"In the eyes of Europe you are a pretender to the throne of England, because the marriage of your father, Henry VIII, to your mother, Anne Boleyn, is deemed invalid!" one says.

The Guardian - Film

On Thursday the high court unanimously decided legislation passed by the federal parliament in 2012 – intended to provide the commonwealth with the authority to make funding agreements and payments after a previous successful legal challenge – was "invalid in its operation with respect to a funding agreement between the commonwealth and Scripture Union Queensland".

The Guardian

Liberal politicians are regularly denied the right to register parties, and the candidacy of Grigory Yavlinsky, the leader of the liberal Yabloko party, was declared invalid last week.

The Guardian

When business resumed, the point of order was ruled invalid by the speaker (though the issue will almost certainly rumble on).

The Guardian - Opinion

There is no suggestion that Mr Saffron facilitated or engaged in invalid voting practices and the Walkley Foundation cannot be certain that the vote was attended by improper conduct.

The Guardian

But the reviewers found that the claim of inconsistencies was invalid, particularly as a variety of results are likely to be found by any such analysis, because all climate science deals in a range of possible future outcomes.

The Guardian

In July, after months of deliberation, the ICC judges ruled that Libya's appeals to keep Gaddafi in custody were invalid and ordered that he be handed over to the court.

The Guardian

It unanimously decided legislation passed by the federal parliament in 2012 – intended to provide the commonwealth with the authority to make funding agreements and payments after a previous successful legal challenge – was "invalid in its operation with respect to a funding agreement between the commonwealth and Scripture Union Queensland".

The Guardian

Kuczborski, with a legal team led by barrister Ken Fleming, launched proceedings in March to have a large sweep of laws designed to cripple outlaw motorcycle clubs declared invalid.

The Guardian

This line of thinking means that any film featuring murder, rape, domestic abuse or psychological harm is therefore invalid, i.e. most of them ever.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, explicitly state the reason something is "invalid". For example, instead of simply saying 'The contract is invalid', specify 'The contract is invalid due to missing signatures'.

Common error

Avoid using "invalid" as a general term of disapproval. Always ensure there is a clear, logical reason why something is invalid, such as a violation of rules, laws, or established procedures.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "invalid" primarily functions to describe something that does not meet required standards or lacks validity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is often used in legal, technical, and academic contexts to denote a lack of legitimacy or factual accuracy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "invalid" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that isn't true, correct, acceptable, or appropriate. Ludwig AI highlights its frequent use across numerous contexts, especially in news and formal business settings. Its grammatical status is correct, and it's considered a very common term. Alternatives include "not valid", "illegitimate", and "null and void", each with subtle nuances. When using "invalid", ensure there's a clear reason behind the statement to avoid vagueness. With its roots in legal and formal contexts, "invalid" remains a crucial term for expressing a lack of validity or legitimacy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not valid

Emphasizes the lack of legal or official standing.

illegitimate

Highlights a lack of authorization or legal basis.

null and void

Indicates that something has no legal effect or is not enforceable.

not applicable

Suggests that a rule or condition does not apply in a specific case.

unacceptable

Focuses on the unsuitability or rejection of something.

unfounded

Highlights the lack of a solid basis or evidence.

baseless

Similar to unfounded, emphasizing the absence of a supporting foundation.

erroneous

Points to the presence of mistakes or inaccuracies.

defective

Indicates a flaw or imperfection that renders something unusable.

inoperative

Suggests that something is not functioning or effective.

FAQs

How can I use "invalid" in a sentence?

You can use "invalid" to describe something that isn't true, correct, acceptable, or appropriate. For instance: "The argument is "invalid" because it's based on false assumptions."

What can I say instead of "invalid"?

You can use alternatives like "not valid", "illegitimate", or "null and void" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "invalid" or "not valid"?

"Invalid" and "not valid" are both correct and often interchangeable. "Invalid" is a single word that directly conveys the meaning, while "not valid" is a phrase that expresses the same idea. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "invalid" and "incorrect"?

"Invalid" typically refers to something that doesn't meet a specific standard or requirement, rendering it unusable or illegitimate. "Incorrect" simply means containing errors or being wrong. Something can be incorrect without necessarily being "invalid".