it was defunct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was defunct" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is no longer in operation, functioning, or relevant. Example: "The old factory was once a bustling hub of activity, but now it was defunct, with weeds growing through the cracks in the pavement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We just assumed it was defunct," Mr. Fisher said of the military provision.

The New York Times

The league said the union was doing this not because it was defunct or incapable of representing N.B.A. players, but as a "negotiating tactic, which the Union incorrectly believes would enable it to commence an antitrust challenge to the N.B.A.'s lockout, which the Union in turn believes would strengthen its position in negotiations over a renewed labor agreement".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But it is defunct and without its charms.

Huffington Post

It's defunct, caput, irrelevant and irretrievably lost.

The Guardian - Books

I am not sure how easy it is to recycle once it's defunct, either.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The way the Tory party is retailing politics is like the way HMV retailed music - it's defunct".

BBC

Speaking to the BBC's Andrew Marr he said: "The way the Tory party is retailing politics is like the way HMV retailed music - it's defunct.

BBC

At the hearing Friday, Trump University lawyer Jill Martin told Curiel that although it is defunct — it has not accepted students since 2010 — the business could reopen in the future.

Los Angeles Times

So, why is Trump Vodka still popular in Israel, when it's defunct everywhere else? No, it's not a Netanyahu-planted advertising campaign the drink was prevalent in the country long before Trump ascended to the highest office in the land.

Vice

Symbian, it was decided, was defunct.

The Guardian - Tech

Its role, she astutely asserted, was defunct before it was built.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was defunct" to clearly and concisely indicate that something is no longer functioning or in use. It's particularly effective when describing a system, organization, or concept that has become obsolete or has ceased operations.

Common error

Avoid using "it was defunct" to describe something that is temporarily out of service or inactive. "Defunct" implies a permanent state of non-functionality or non-existence, not a temporary pause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was defunct" functions as a declarative statement indicating that something was no longer in operation or existence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was defunct" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that indicates something is no longer functioning or in existence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While it is not exceedingly common, it serves as a clear and concise way to communicate that an entity has ceased operations or become obsolete. When using this phrase, be sure to differentiate it from temporary states of inactivity, as "defunct" implies a permanent end.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was no longer in use

A simple and direct way to state that something is not currently being used.

it was no longer operational

Emphasizes the lack of current operation, suitable for describing systems or organizations.

it was inactive

Suggests a state of not being active or engaged, applicable to accounts or dormant organizations.

it had ceased to function

Focuses on the cessation of functionality, implying a process of stopping rather than a static state.

it was terminated

Implies a formal ending or cancellation, often used in business or legal contexts.

it was out of service

Suggests a temporary or permanent removal from active use, often for equipment or services.

it had been discontinued

Indicates a formal decision to cease production or offering of a product or service.

it had become obsolete

Highlights the fact that it's outdated and no longer useful due to advancements or changes.

it was finished

A more colloquial way to say something has ended or ceased to exist.

it was a thing of the past

Emphasizes that something belongs to a previous era and is no longer relevant.

FAQs

How can I use "it was defunct" in a sentence?

You can use "it was defunct" to describe something that is no longer operational or has ceased to exist. For example, "The old factory was once a major employer, but "it was defunct" after the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was defunct"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was obsolete", "it was no longer operational", or "it had ceased to function", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "defunct" to describe something temporarily inactive?

No, "defunct" implies a permanent state of non-functionality. It's more appropriate to use terms like "inactive", "out of service", or "temporarily suspended" for temporary situations.

What's the difference between "it was defunct" and "it was obsolete"?

"It was defunct" means something has ceased to exist or function, while "it was obsolete" means something is outdated and no longer in use because something newer and better has replaced it. A technology can be obsolete but still function, but a defunct entity has stopped functioning altogether.