invalidate

USAGE SUMMARY

"invalidate" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of something being made or declared not valid or acceptable. For example: "The court invalidated the contract and ruled it void."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The judge confirmed his decision did not invalidate the current proceedings in the Northern Ireland assembly.

The Guardian

I understand the concern that it will appeal to better-off families, but that doesn't invalidate it as a mortgage product".

The Guardian - Money

The existence of rape and other forms of sexual violence don't invalidate the experiences of those who are discriminated against in the workplace or harassed in the street; nobody tells the police to stop investigating fraud until they've solved every murder.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The stadium and associated facilities are also intended to be the heart of a vast scheme to regenerate the crumbling eastern side of the city, which the council thinks will become the biggest regeneration project in the country.Running the games at a loss would not invalidate these aims.

The Economist

See articleA federal appeals court upheld a verdict reached last year by a jury in Texas to invalidate two patents covering some of the internet's basic interactive features.

The Economist

He suggests that allegations of American torture invalidate American reservations about academic freedom in Singapore.

The Economist

Shortly afterwards the federal Department of Labour launched an investigation to see whether repeating the election was legal.Neither the new election nor the investigation which could invalidate it will yield results for some weeks.

The Economist

Public opinion is broadly pro-EU, but low turnout could invalidate a referendum, leaving the decision to a more Eurosceptical parliament.The succession to the SLD is still up for grabs.

The Economist

Rather than invalidate the Shiller method, the 2008 earnings destruction is precisely why the (Shiller p/e) was created.Another reason to trust the CAPE is that its message is replicated by a completely different (and independently-calculated) measure; the Q ratio (see chart).

The Economist

The share issue to Mr Ecclestone, however, reduced FOH's holding to exactly 50% and so neutered its power.The share issue to Mr Ecclestone also potentially undermines the preferred strategy of the banks: to gain control of the FOA board by persuading a court to invalidate a change to the firm's articles of association made by Bambino when it wrested board control in 2002.

The Economist

Still, the latest findings don't invalidate the historic experience of particular countries like the United States which have surged to greater levels of wealth without experiencing any rise in general levels of reported happiness.But if you treat history as bunk and concentrate on the levels of satisfaction that countries feel right now, the results are—in Mr Deaton's view quite striking.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "invalidate", ensure that the context clearly specifies what is being invalidated and the grounds for its invalidation. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something is automatically invalid without explicitly stating the reason. Clearly articulate the condition or evidence that leads to the invalidation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "invalidate" is as a transitive verb. It signifies the action of making something null, void, or without legal force. Ludwig provides examples where it is used to describe the action of courts, evidence, or decisions that render something ineffective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "invalidate" functions as a transitive verb meaning to make something null or void. As demonstrated by the numerous examples found via Ludwig, this term is commonly used in legal, scientific, and news contexts. The phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed in formal writing. Ludwig's AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English. When using "invalidate", it's crucial to clearly specify what is being invalidated and the reasons for it to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "nullify", "void", and "cancel" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nullify

Implies making something legally void or ineffective.

void

Suggests that something is completely without legal effect from the outset.

annul

Often used in the context of marriages or contracts, implying a formal cancellation.

repeal

Specifically refers to the revocation or cancellation of a law or act.

rescind

Indicates the cancellation or revocation of an order or agreement.

revoke

Suggests taking back or withdrawing something, like a license or permit.

overturn

Often used in legal contexts to describe reversing a decision or verdict.

cancel

A general term for stopping something that was planned or agreed upon.

negate

Implies counteracting or nullifying the effect of something.

vitiate

To impair the quality or effectiveness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "invalidate" in a sentence?

You can use "invalidate" to show that something is no longer valid or acceptable. For example, "The new evidence served to invalidate the previous findings."

What can I say instead of "invalidate"?

You can use alternatives like "nullify", "void", or "cancel" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "invalidate" something, or is there a better word?

The word "invalidate" is correct and commonly used. However, the best word depends on the specific context. For example, in legal settings, "annul" or "rescind" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "invalidate" and "disprove"?

"Invalidate" means to make something no longer valid or acceptable, while "disprove" means to show that something is not true. New evidence might invalidate a theory, but experiments would disprove it.