lost importance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost importance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has diminished in significance or value over time. Example: "As technology advanced, many traditional skills have lost importance in the modern workforce."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

However, the relative importance of the income effect became particularly important after 1990 all other explanatory variables lost importance in absolute terms, while the income effect stayed stable.

Energy Policy

In Austria, coal lost importance much more quickly and was overtaken by crude oil as most important source of CO2 emissions already in the mid-1960s.

Energy Policy

The Vedic gods lost importance in these texts and survive as figures of folklore.

Britannica

Indeed, aside from arming special forces, the submachine gun lost importance as a military weapon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Investments in banking and railroads provided additional sources of wealth, while shipping lost importance during the mid-19th century.

Britannica

A reorientation of the farming system was observed, a shift in which cropland lost importance with regard to grassland, the use of scrubland became marginal and forestry increased.

Landscape and Urban Planning

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Factors that affect retention of CHWs may change over time, with some factors that are important in the early years of a project losing importance as the project matures.

Human Resources for Health

It loses importance if he's not there". And we have learned just how important it is to a tournament if Tiger is there.

Los Angeles Times

"For me personally, the game and the sport loses importance.

The Guardian - Sport

What is losing importance is the almighty left tackle.

The New York Times

The C.D.I. is losing importance naturally," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical trends or shifts in priorities, use "lost importance" to clearly indicate a decline in the significance of a particular factor or element. Ensure the context provides sufficient information about what has gained importance in its place.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something has "lost importance", it is entirely irrelevant. Instead, acknowledge that its influence has diminished relative to other factors, which can avoid misrepresenting the continued, albeit reduced, impact of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost importance" typically functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a subject has experienced a reduction in its level of significance or relevance. Ludwig confirms that this is correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

28%

News & Media

24%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost importance" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a decline in significance or relevance. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in science, encyclopedias, and news media. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies what factors have gained prominence in its place and avoid assuming complete irrelevance. While alternatives like "diminished in significance" and "declined in relevance" offer nuanced variations, "lost importance" remains a straightforward and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminished in significance

Emphasizes a reduction in the level of importance or impact.

declined in relevance

Highlights the decrease in the degree to which something is related or applicable.

faded into insignificance

Suggests a gradual process of losing prominence until becoming unimportant.

become less crucial

Indicates a reduction in the essential or critical nature of something.

waned in prominence

Implies a decrease in visibility or standing.

receded in importance

Suggests a movement away from a position of significance.

become outdated

Focuses on how something is old and no longer useful or applicable.

been superseded

Highlights replacement by something newer or more effective.

fallen by the wayside

Suggests neglect or abandonment, leading to a loss of importance.

slipped from attention

Emphasizes a gradual drift away from active consideration or focus.

FAQs

How can I use "lost importance" in a sentence?

You can use "lost importance" to describe something that has decreased in significance. For example: "As technology advanced, many traditional skills have "lost importance" in the modern workforce."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "lost importance"?

Alternatives include phrases like "diminished in significance", "declined in relevance", or "faded into insignificance", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "lost of importance" instead of "lost importance"?

No, the correct phrase is "lost importance". The use of "of" is grammatically incorrect in this context. "Lost importance" is the standard and accepted form.

What's the difference between "lost importance" and "became obsolete"?

"Lost importance" suggests a decline in relevance or significance, while "became obsolete" implies that something is no longer in use because it has been replaced by something newer or more effective. The former is a relative decrease, the latter is a complete cessation of use.