is rendered obsolete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is rendered obsolete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has become outdated or no longer in use due to advancements or changes in technology, society, or other factors. Example: "With the rise of smartphones, traditional landline telephones are rendered obsolete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He is a physical commodity to them and, without his fists, he is rendered obsolete.

The Guardian - Sport

Then there is Rashid himself, who watches and fruitlessly resists as his graceful world of opium-eaters is rendered obsolete by the nightmare of low-grade heroin.

The Economist

Anthony Fauci delivered the keynote address at a symposium sponsored by the OTD, in which he warned of a "post-antibiotic age" when modern medicine is rendered obsolete.

Harvard University

any road bridge that is rendered obsolete as a result of a Corps of Engineers flood control or channelization project and is not rebuilt with funds from the Corps of Engineers.

Cornell University

But yesterday it was announced that fans will have to find another mundane domestic appliance to watch when the university's computer department moves to a new £15m building later this year and the Trojan pot is rendered obsolete.

The Guardian - Tech

It will hail the next industrial revolution as the concept of mass-production is rendered obsolete.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Passbooks were rendered obsolete.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, this means that your role with the company has been rendered obsolete.

The New Yorker

Why invest in expensive technology that might be rendered obsolete by future regulatory action?

The Economist

My point is that data denial policies amongst nations will ultimately be rendered obsolete.

The New York Times

In the process, traditional thinking about online security has been rendered obsolete.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is rendered obsolete" to describe a complete shift. When something has diminishing utility but is still partially used, phrases like "is becoming less relevant" or "is declining in use" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "is rendered obsolete" to describe temporary or easily reversible situations. This phrase implies a permanent shift, so ensure the context reflects a lasting change rather than a passing trend.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rendered obsolete" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something has been made outdated or no longer useful by an external factor. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

40%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is rendered obsolete" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes something becoming outdated or no longer useful, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's a passive construction, indicating an external cause for the obsolescence. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts, suggesting a neutral formality level. While other phrases like "becomes outdated" or "loses its relevance" can be used as alternatives, "is rendered obsolete" specifically highlights the process of being made obsolete by an external factor. Remember to use this phrase when the obsolescence is a lasting change, not a temporary one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes obsolete

A more direct and active construction of QUERY with similar meaning.

becomes outdated

Replaces the passive voice construction with a more direct active voice, emphasizing the process of becoming.

falls into disuse

Focuses on the cessation of use, suggesting a gradual decline in popularity or relevance.

loses its relevance

Highlights the diminished importance or applicability of something over time.

becomes a thing of the past

Emphasizes that something belongs to a bygone era, highlighting its historical nature.

is superseded

Indicates replacement by something newer or more effective, often in a technical or formal context.

is replaced by

Simple passive construction emphasizing direct substitution.

is no longer applicable

Indicates a lack of relevance or suitability for a particular situation.

is invalidated

Suggests that something has been officially or definitively rendered untrue or ineffective.

is outmoded

Implies something is old-fashioned and no longer in line with current standards.

FAQs

How can I use "is rendered obsolete" in a sentence?

You can use "is rendered obsolete" to indicate that something has become outdated or no longer in use. For example: "With the rise of streaming services, physical media like DVDs "is rendered obsolete"."

What are some alternatives to saying "is rendered obsolete"?

Alternatives include phrases like "becomes outdated", "falls into disuse", or "loses its relevance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was rendered obsolete" instead of "is rendered obsolete"?

Yes, "was rendered obsolete" is grammatically correct. "Is rendered obsolete" refers to the present, while "was rendered obsolete" refers to the past. For example: "The technology "was rendered obsolete" by a newer innovation."

What's the difference between "is rendered obsolete" and "becomes obsolete"?

"Is rendered obsolete" implies an external force or factor caused the obsolescence, while "becomes obsolete" is a more general statement. For example, "The technology "is rendered obsolete" by new regulations" versus "The technology "becomes obsolete" over time".