past its prime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "past its prime" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means something or someone that was once at its best or most successful, but is now past its peak and declining in quality or relevance. Example: The old amusement park was once a popular destination for families, but now it's past its prime and barely attracts any visitors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Wendy Lesser's article "It May Be Timely, but It's Way Past Its Prime" [Oct.

The New York Times - Arts

Technology Past Its Prime 09.09.02 If you think your trusty old VCR is getting long in the tooth, it is.

Forbes

She considered it too small, but her husband deemed it past its prime.

The New York Times

While post-2000 era boxing was well past its prime it was still the biggest sports franchise on HBO.

Forbes

The whole place feels as if it must have been past its prime even when it was in its prime.

The New York Times

Castell'in Villa 1977 $62 ** [rating: two stars] The panel agreed it was past its prime.

The New York Times - Food

The salmon in the Goan fish curry also was past its prime, and it doesn't seem appropriate to the dish.

The New York Times

"I think it's well past its prime".

The New York Times

The chances are some or all of it is well past its prime.

The New York Times - Food

When mascara is past its prime, Pecheux uses it on brows.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hachette was less kind to another past-its-prime format in 2008.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about food, be precise. Instead of saying "the produce is past its prime", specify the specific aspect that indicates decline such as "the lettuce is wilting", or "the apples are bruised".

Common error

Avoid using "past its prime" for things that are simply old, not necessarily diminished in quality or relevance. A vintage car, while old, might be meticulously maintained and highly valuable, not "past its prime".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past its prime" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun is no longer at its peak condition or performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Food

10%

Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "past its prime" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something or someone that has declined from a previous peak condition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but also appears in discussions about food and business. When using this phrase, consider the potential for negative connotations, especially when describing people, and ensure that the context supports the implication of a former superior state. Alternatives like "seen better days" may offer a softer tone in sensitive situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

past its best

A direct synonym, indicating a state beyond optimal condition.

seen better days

Emphasizes a decline from a more favorable past state.

not what it used to be

Expresses a perceived reduction in quality compared to the past.

over the hill

Implies that someone or something has reached an age or point where they are no longer at their peak.

fading glory

Focuses on the loss of former prominence or success.

on the decline

Highlights a gradual decrease in quality, influence, or importance.

waning influence

Indicates a diminishing effect or power.

in decline

States a condition of worsening or weakening.

losing its edge

Suggests a loss of competitive advantage or sharpness.

reached its peak

Indicates the culmination of growth or success, implying a subsequent decline.

FAQs

How can I tell if something is really "past its prime"?

Assess whether the object or entity has noticeably declined from a previous high point in terms of quality, effectiveness, or relevance. Consider factors such as performance, condition, and popularity.

What are some alternatives to saying "past its prime"?

You can use alternatives like "seen better days", "over the hill", or "fading glory" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "past its prime" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the tone. In formal contexts, more objective alternatives like "in decline" or "waning influence" might be more suitable.

Can "past its prime" be used to describe people?

Yes, but be cautious. Using "past its prime" to describe a person can be seen as insensitive or ageist. Consider softer alternatives like "reached its peak" or "not as effective as before" to avoid offense.