sunk into oblivion

USAGE SUMMARY

'sunk into oblivion' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an event or entity that has been forgotten forever or for a long period of time. For example, "After years of public disinterest, the once-popular actor's career had sadly sunk into oblivion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In the first of these Hamilton recounts the course philosophy had taken in France after "the philosophy of Descartes and Malebranche had sunk into oblivion"(Hamilton 1853: 2).

SEP

Khuddo is one of many Indian women who have simply sunk into oblivion because they remained single, not by choice, but by circumstance or a twist of fate.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Let Saturday sink into oblivion".

The New York Times - Books

But cork is not about to sink into oblivion.

The New York Times

Hands are tied as this project sinks into oblivion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Often music sinks into oblivion for a reason.

The New York Times - Arts

If there is any justice in the world, this film would sink into oblivion.

The Guardian - Film

Despite winning the silver medal at the hotly contested 1924 Paris Olympics, the verse sank into oblivion.

The New York Times - Sports

Far from building a stronger multilateral system, the WTO would quietly sink into oblivion as a negotiating forum.

The Economist

Well-designed commenting systems should also aim to highlight thoughtful and valuable opinions while letting trollish ones sink into oblivion.

The New York Times

But that is a little dangerous because they can sink into oblivion if you are not careful.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sunk into oblivion" to describe concepts, ideas, or figures that have been thoroughly forgotten or lost in history. For example, "Many early theories of physics have now "sunk into oblivion" as new discoveries emerged."

Common error

Avoid using "sunk into oblivion" to describe physical sinking. It's an idiomatic expression that relates to being forgotten, not literal submersion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sunk into oblivion" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a verb phrase to describe the state of being completely forgotten or lost from memory. Ludwig's examples show it used in varied contexts, from philosophical concepts to historical events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sunk into oblivion" is an idiomatic expression used to describe something that has been completely forgotten. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and notes its use across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While not extremely frequent, it's a useful phrase to add emphasis to the idea of complete and irreversible forgetting. Related phrases like "fallen into obscurity" offer similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fallen into obscurity

This alternative emphasizes the lack of recognition or fame.

faded into insignificance

This phrase highlights the diminishing importance of something over time.

been consigned to oblivion

This version stresses the act of something being deliberately forgotten.

passed into oblivion

This suggests a gradual disappearance from memory.

receded into the past

This emphasizes the temporal distance and forgotten nature.

vanished from memory

Focuses on the removal of something from recollection.

been lost to time

Highlights the effect of time in causing something to be forgotten.

disappeared without a trace

Emphasizes a complete and mysterious disappearance.

become a distant memory

Indicates that something is remembered faintly, if at all.

fallen by the wayside

Suggests something has been abandoned or neglected and is no longer relevant.

FAQs

How can I use "sunk into oblivion" in a sentence?

Use "sunk into oblivion" to describe something that has been completely forgotten or faded from memory. For instance, "The details of the scandal have long "sunk into oblivion".

What does it mean when something has "sunk into oblivion"?

It means that the thing in question has been completely forgotten, either because it's no longer relevant or because it's been deliberately ignored. Consider similar phrases like "fallen into obscurity" or "faded into insignificance".

Is "sunk into oblivion" the same as "forgotten"?

While similar, "sunk into oblivion" implies a more complete and irreversible state of being forgotten than simply "forgotten". It suggests a permanent loss from memory or relevance.

What are some alternatives to "sunk into oblivion"?

Some alternatives include "fallen into obscurity", "faded into insignificance", or "been consigned to oblivion". These all convey the idea of something being completely forgotten.