obsolete building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obsolete building" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a structure that is no longer in use or has become outdated in terms of design, function, or relevance. Example: "The city decided to demolish the obsolete building to make way for a new park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Much of the $45 million development was financed with historic preservation tax credits, along with brownfield tax credits for re-using an obsolete building, Mr. Poris said.

The New York Times

It was constructed at a time when cobblestone masonry was a popular choice for state park structures, but also after masonry was considered an obsolete building material.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The bigger issue," Ms. Hackett said, "is how to deal with obsolete buildings in the city".

The New York Times

Many obsolete buildings in Midtown have been converted to rental housing in recent years, and the rental market has been strong.

The New York Times

Sichuan officials began investigating the issue last Sunday, Xinhua reported, and have blamed design defects and obsolete buildings for many of the collapses.

The New York Times

Sichuan officials began investigating school construction on May 25 and have blamed design defects and obsolete buildings for many of the collapses, according to Xinhua, the state news agency.

The New York Times

Cities that urgently need to replace obsolete buildings might paradoxically base much of their financing upon a tax that encourages owners to hold on to deteriorated structures and penalizes owners of new ones.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chicago has hundreds of acres of vacant land, but industrialists say the affordable property is inaccessible to heavy vehicles, is in blighted and dangerous neighborhoods or has obsolete buildings that are costly to raze.

The New York Times

In 1968 Roger and his older brother Donald joined their father William in establishing Reckson Associates whose developments were bold and groundbreaking, changing the way commercial real estate was built and used on Long Island and throughout the region through innovations in upgrading industrial properties, reviving obsolete buildings, and setting new standards for office developments.

The New York Times

The mixed-use character of these neighborhoods would be assured by including residential construction matched to the numbers of new workplaces, a pattern that had already begun downtown, where substantial office space had been eliminated by conversion of "obsolete" buildings to residential use.

The New York Times - Magazine

"This is the gold beneath the streets, the lifeline for an obsolete industrial building.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing urban redevelopment, use "obsolete building" to highlight the need for modernization and revitalization.

Common error

Avoid using "obsolete building" in scenarios where the age of the structure is a valued feature, such as historical landmarks. In those cases, consider using alternatives such as "historic site" or "heritage building".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obsolete building" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "obsolete" modifies the noun "building". It describes a building that is no longer useful or functional due to being outdated. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obsolete building" correctly describes a structure no longer useful or functional, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound, its frequency is uncommon. It is most commonly used in news and media, encyclopedias, and Wiki contexts. Alternative terms include "outdated building" or "defunct building". When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended tone and avoid its application in contexts where a building's age is considered a positive attribute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outdated building

Emphasizes the building's design or features being behind current standards.

defunct building

Highlights that the building is no longer in operation or use.

dilapidated structure

Focuses on the state of disrepair and decay of the building.

abandoned building

Indicates the building is deserted or forsaken.

disused edifice

A more formal way to describe a building that is no longer in use.

superannuated construction

Highlights the age and obsolescence of the building in a formal way.

outmoded construction

Similar to "outdated building", but slightly stronger in implying that the design is no longer fashionable or practical.

ancient infrastructure

Suggests the building is not only old but also part of a larger, aging system.

rotting property

Emphasizes the physical decay and degradation of the building.

decaying building

Like 'rotting property' it highlights visible signs of decay and deterioration.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "obsolete building"?

Alternatives for "obsolete building" include "outdated building", "defunct building", or "dilapidated structure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "obsolete building" in a sentence?

You might say, "The city planned to demolish the "obsolete building" to construct a new community center".

What is the difference between "obsolete building" and "abandoned building"?

"Obsolete building" refers to a structure that is outdated or no longer functional, while "abandoned building" indicates that the structure has been deserted or forsaken. An "obsolete building" may still be in use, albeit inefficiently, whereas an abandoned building is not.

Is it correct to refer to a historic building as an "obsolete building"?

While technically a historic building might be considered outdated in some ways, calling it an "obsolete building" can be misleading. It's generally better to use terms like "historic building" or "heritage site" to emphasize its cultural or historical value.