is out of business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is out of business" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a company or organization has ceased operations or is no longer functioning. Example: "After years of financial struggles, the once-popular restaurant is out of business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

A bond insurer without this rating is out of business.

Forbes

The former is out of business, the latter still exists.

The New Yorker

Eight years later, the Miami museum is out of business.

The New York Times - Arts

The company is out of business -- end of story".

The New York Times

He may eventually get his clients' money back, but until then he is out of business.

The New York Times

A friend recommended some great software, but the publisher is out of business.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Now, they are out of business.

The New Yorker

"I'll be out of business".

The New York Times

You're out of business".

The New York Times

They'd simply be out of business.

University of California, Berkeley

He seemed to be out of business.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is out of business" to clearly and concisely state that a company or organization is no longer operating.

Common error

Avoid stating a company "is out of business" if it's only temporarily closed for renovations, seasonal breaks, or other short-term reasons. Use phrases like 'temporarily closed' or 'undergoing renovations' instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is out of business" functions as a predicative expression, indicating the state of an entity, typically a company or organization. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in stating that an entity has ceased its operational existence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is out of business" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe that a company or organization has ceased operations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness across different contexts. While alternatives such as "has closed down" or "has ceased operations" exist, this phrase is widely understood and accepted, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure accurate verification of the information to prevent misrepresenting temporary closures as permanent ones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has closed down

A simpler, more direct way of saying a business has ended.

is no longer operating

Emphasizes the current state of non-functionality.

has ceased operations

Focuses on the formal action of stopping business activities.

has shut its doors

Uses a metaphorical image of closing a physical location.

is defunct

A more formal and technical term for being out of business.

has gone bankrupt

Implies a legal declaration of inability to pay debts.

has failed

Highlights the lack of success as the reason for closure.

is liquidated

Suggests the assets of the business have been sold off.

is insolvent

Indicates the business cannot pay its debts.

is no more

A somewhat dramatic way to express the end of a business.

FAQs

What does it mean when a company is described as "is out of business"?

When a company "is out of business", it means that it has ceased operations and is no longer functioning as a commercial entity. This can be due to various reasons, such as bankruptcy, financial difficulties, or strategic decisions.

What can I say instead of "is out of business"?

You can use alternatives like "has ceased operations", "has closed down", or "is no longer operating" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "is out of business" in formal writing?

Yes, "is out of business" is generally acceptable in formal writing, particularly in news reports or business documents. However, for very formal contexts, you might prefer more precise alternatives like "has filed for bankruptcy" or "has undergone liquidation".

How does 'bankrupt' differ from "is out of business"?

While a company that "is out of business" may be bankrupt, the terms aren't interchangeable. 'Bankrupt' specifically refers to a legal status where a company is unable to pay its debts and has filed for bankruptcy protection. A company "is out of business" may have closed for other reasons, such as a strategic decision or simply failing to be profitable, without necessarily being bankrupt.