is now defunct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is now defunct" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something that was once active or functioning has now ceased to exist. Example: The company, which was once a household name, is now defunct due to financial difficulties.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Oakford is now defunct.

The New York Times

(Veco is now defunct).

The New Yorker

Telerate is now defunct.

The New York Times

(The charity she used is now defunct).

The New York Times

The business is now defunct.

The New York Times

(The company is now defunct).

The New York Times

The plan is now defunct.

The New York Times

I went to LaSalle Military Academy, which is now defunct.

The New York Times

Ameriquest, just to jog your memory, is now defunct.

The New York Times

The Iranian-American Socisty of nowthern Virginia is now defunct.

The Guardian

In the 1990s the NFL set up a European league, which is now defunct.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is now defunct" to clearly indicate that an entity, practice, or system has ceased to exist or function. This phrase is particularly useful when discussing historical contexts or changes over time.

Common error

Avoid using "is now defunct" in contexts where 'no longer active' or 'discontinued' would be more appropriate. Defunct implies a complete end, not just a temporary pause or alteration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is now defunct" functions as a descriptive statement indicating that something has ceased to exist or function. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Academic & Scientific

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is now defunct" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote that something has ceased to exist or operate. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, notably news reporting and formal documentation, and it effectively conveys a sense of finality. When writing, remember that while the phrase is common, 'no longer active' or 'discontinued' could be more precise depending on the specific implication you intend to communicate. Use this phrase when you intend to leave no doubt the subject you are describing has come to an end.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is no longer operational

Focuses on the cessation of operation rather than complete non-existence.

has ceased to exist

A more formal and emphatic way of stating something no longer exists.

is now out of business

Specifically applies to commercial entities that have stopped trading.

is a thing of the past

Implies something is outdated or no longer relevant.

is now inactive

Indicates a state of not being active, but not necessarily non-existent.

is now terminated

Suggests a formal ending or discontinuation.

is now closed down

Implies a physical closing, often used for businesses or institutions.

has been discontinued

Focuses on the act of stopping something from continuing.

is no longer in use

Indicates something is not currently being used, suggesting it might still exist.

is now invalid

Suggests something that was once valid is not now. Can be applied to documents, processes, decisions etc.

FAQs

How can I use "is now defunct" in a sentence?

You can use "is now defunct" to describe something that used to exist or function but no longer does. For example, "The company, once a leader in its industry, "is now defunct"."

What can I say instead of "is now defunct"?

Alternatives include "is no longer operational", "has ceased to exist", or "is now out of business" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "is now defunct" and "is now obsolete"?

"Is now defunct" implies that something has completely ceased to exist or function, whereas "is now obsolete" suggests that something is outdated and no longer used, but may still exist. For example, a company "is now defunct", while a technology "is now obsolete".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is now defunct"?

It's appropriate to use "is now defunct" when you want to emphasize that something no longer exists or operates, especially after having been active or important in the past. This phrasing adds a sense of finality.