long defunct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “long defunct” is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is no longer in existence or used. For example, "The company's long defunct website is still available online."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

They seemed meant for some long defunct disco.

The New York Times

The Peekskill Homing Pigeon Club, which he fondly remembers, is long defunct.

The New York Times

NBC's "West Wing" is long defunct, but many of the policy issues it raised rage on.

The New York Times

The first Emphatic Italic can be found near 48th St .advertising a long defunct restaurant: LONGCHAMPS.

The New Yorker

The huge retailer Tower Records is long defunct, and the Virgin Megastores closed their doors here in 2009.

The New Yorker

"We have become accustomed to this," said Aziz Dweik, the Hamas speaker of the Palestinian parliament, long defunct, that is supposed to be revived under the new accord.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

He also talked about a long-defunct professional team called the Brooklyn Americans: the Amerks.

The New Yorker

Habib Rizieq, the fiery head of the Islamic Defenders Front, also denounced the long-defunct P.K.I.

The New Yorker

It was time, at last, to pay homage to a noisy, rebellious, long-defunct rock band.

The New York Times - Travel

Hot Bird is the name of two long-defunct Brooklyn barbecue chicken places.

The New York Times

It opened in 1965 as part of the long-defunct Aunt Jemima's Kitchen chain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "long defunct", ensure the context clearly establishes what entity or system is no longer operational. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "long defunct" is acceptable in various contexts, avoid using it excessively in very casual or informal conversations. Simpler alternatives like "gone" or "no longer around" may be more appropriate for everyday speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long defunct" primarily functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It describes something that has ceased to exist or operate for an extended period. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long defunct" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe something that has been out of use or existence for a considerable period. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable in written English and frequently found in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "long inactive" or "long since gone" exist, "long defunct" effectively conveys the duration and completeness of the cessation. When employing the phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the entity being described to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defunct for ages

Emphasizes that something is no longer operational, and has been so for an extensive amount of time.

long inactive

Focuses on the cessation of activity over a significant period.

long out of service

Highlights that something has been unavailable or unusable for an extended time.

long ceased to exist

Emphasizes the complete termination of existence for a considerable duration.

long ago disappeared

Stresses the disappearance or vanishing of something from a distant past.

long since gone

Indicates that something has departed or vanished a long time ago.

long past its prime

Implies that something was once flourishing but deteriorated a long time ago.

bygone era

Refers to a past period that is distinctly different from the present.

relic of the past

Suggests that something is an artifact or remnant from a former time.

ancient history

Highlights the distant and irrelevant nature of something.

FAQs

How do I use "long defunct" in a sentence?

You can use "long defunct" to describe something that has not existed or functioned for a significant period. For example, "The "long defunct rail link" has reopened after years of disuse".

What are some alternatives to "long defunct"?

Alternatives include "long inactive", "long out of service", or "long since gone". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "defunct for ages" instead of "long defunct"?

Yes, "defunct for ages" is a valid alternative, directly emphasizing the duration of inactivity. While they're similar, "defunct for ages" might emphasize length of time while "long defunct" might emphasize the completed status.

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

"Long defunct" implies something has ceased to exist or function, while "obsolete" suggests something is out of date and no longer used, but could theoretically still exist. A "long defunct company" has closed down, while an "obsolete technology" is simply outdated.