lost usefulness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost usefulness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has ceased to be useful or effective over time. Example: "The old software has lost usefulness in today's fast-paced technological environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although it lost usefulness for average and long distances, the National Roads system has acquired municipal interest: EN13 that cuts the city in half, in a north-south direction, is used by commuters originating from the northern suburbs and from the city of Vila do Conde, in the south, to travel downtown.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If it becomes too controversial, it loses usefulness.

The Economist

Polymers used in the space environment will inevitably experience aging and degradation which result in changes of the material mechanics, physics and chemical properties, until they lose usefulness.

Progress in Aerospace Sciences

Both rules lose usefulness for CD4 counts coming near to treatment threshold.

Plosone

But the tool has lost its usefulness.

The New York Times

"It has lost its usefulness as a focal center of high-level debate about Democratic policy".

The New York Times

He has lost his usefulness to the Dutch and become a problem in a colony where white skin is the only badge of power.

The New York Times - Books

The classical buildings, many of them banks, lost their usefulness as commercial functions shifted north and west into modern office buildings.

The New York Times

In fact, many scientists have thought the short muscles must be the evolutionary vestiges of longer muscles that lost their usefulness over time.

The New York Times - Science

There is a parallel with economic policy, where some countries have clung on too long to measures, such as inflexible exchange rates, that have lost their usefulness.

The Economist

One individual had his control order quashed after a judge ruled that, as he had been under a control order for two years, he had lost his usefulness to terrorist groups.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lost usefulness", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject's original use was and why it is no longer effective. For example, 'The technology lost its usefulness due to rapid advancements in the field'.

Common error

Avoid using "lost usefulness" without specifying why the subject is no longer useful. Without context, the phrase can be vague and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost usefulness" functions as a descriptor, indicating that something or someone has ceased to be as effective or valuable as they once were. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lost usefulness" correctly conveys the idea that something or someone is no longer as valuable or effective as before. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable and understandable in English. While it's grammatically sound, providing context is crucial to clarify why the subject experienced a decline in value. Related phrases include "diminished utility" and "decreased effectiveness". Although found across various sources, its prevalence is relatively rare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminished utility

Focuses on the reduction in practical value or benefit.

decreased effectiveness

Highlights a decline in the ability to produce a desired result.

reduced impact

Emphasizes a lessening of influence or effect.

became obsolete

Indicates that something is no longer used or needed because it is out of date.

outlived its purpose

Suggests that something has fulfilled its original intention and is no longer needed.

became irrelevant

Highlights that something is no longer connected or important to the current situation.

faded into insignificance

Implies a gradual decline in importance or prominence.

expired usefulness

Indicates that the period during which something was useful has ended.

waned in relevance

Suggests a decrease in the degree to which something is pertinent or applicable.

yielded advantage

Indicates that an advantage or benefit that was previously held has been surrendered or lost.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "lost usefulness" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "diminished utility", "decreased effectiveness", or "reduced impact".

What is a common mistake to avoid when using the phrase "lost usefulness"?

A frequent error is failing to specify why something has "lost usefulness". Providing context is crucial for clarity and impact.

Is it grammatically correct to say "loses usefulness"?

Yes, "loses usefulness" is grammatically correct. It is the present tense form of "lost usefulness" and is used to describe something currently diminishing in value or effectiveness.

What are some synonyms for "lost usefulness" that emphasize obsolescence?

If you want to emphasize that something is out of date, you can use "became obsolete" or "outlived its purpose" instead of "lost usefulness".