is washed up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is washed up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is no longer successful or effective, often in a professional context. Example: "After several disappointing seasons, the athlete is washed up and considering retirement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

I'm not saying Chisora is washed up either.

The Guardian - Sport

'People say Roy Jones is washed up, he's old,' Calzaghe says of the 39-year-old.

The Guardian - Sport

Think network television is washed up, overwhelmed by targeted and measureable ads on the Web?

The New York Times

This isn't to say Hutchinson is washed up; he's still a serviceable guard.

The New York Times

Nico Rosberg is washed up as a title contender if many more grands prix are hit by rain.

The Guardian - Sport

Asterix and Obelix travel to Caledonia after a Pictish man, MacAroon, is washed up in their village.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Marine life is washing up dead on the beaches.

Huffington Post

You're washed up, I'm washed up.

The Guardian

"It was washed up in Morecambe.

Independent

Well, he's washed up now.

The New York Times - Sports

Not being washed up, but coming home another time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is washed up" when you want to convey that someone or something has lost their effectiveness or peak performance ability. It's often used in sports, entertainment, and politics.

Common error

Avoid using "is washed up" in formal writing or professional settings, as it can sound too informal or harsh. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "is no longer effective" or "has declined in performance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is washed up" functions primarily as a predicative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing a state of being ineffective or obsolete. As Ludwig AI correctly points out, the phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is washed up" is a common idiom used to describe someone or something that has lost its effectiveness or is no longer relevant, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, it's important to consider the context. It appears most frequently in News & Media. For formal settings, alternatives like "is declining" or "is past their prime" might be more appropriate. Using "is washed up" effectively depends on understanding its connotations and choosing the right situation to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is past their prime

Focuses on the idea that someone has already had their best performance or period.

is finished

Emphasizes the end of someone's career or relevance.

is no longer effective

Highlights the loss of effectiveness or capability.

is obsolete

Suggests that something is outdated and no longer in use.

has seen better days

Implies that someone or something was once in a better condition or more successful.

is declining

Focuses on the process of losing strength, power, or influence.

is on the way out

Suggests that something is about to disappear or become irrelevant.

is yesterday's news

Emphasizes that something is no longer current or interesting.

is a has-been

Directly labels someone as someone who was once successful but is no longer.

is losing relevance

Focuses on the gradual loss of importance or significance.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says that a person "is washed up"?

Saying someone "is washed up" means they are no longer successful, effective, or relevant in their field. It suggests that their career or period of success has ended.

What are some alternatives to saying "is washed up"?

You can use alternatives like "is past their prime", "is finished", or "is no longer effective" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "is washed up" in formal writing?

No, the phrase "is washed up" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use phrases like "is declining" or "is losing relevance".

How did the expression "is washed up" originate?

The expression likely comes from the idea of something being washed ashore after a storm, no longer useful or functional. It implies that the person or thing is spent and has reached the end of its usefulness.