virtually obsolete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually obsolete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is almost no longer in use or relevant, often due to advancements in technology or changes in society. Example: "With the rise of smartphones, traditional flip phones have become virtually obsolete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Tapestry carpets were invented in Scotland in 1830 but are now virtually obsolete.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Or will they be made virtually obsolete, gobbled up by mainstream venues?

The New York Times - Arts

It also includes virtually obsolete crimes such as "impeding escape from a shipwreck".

The Guardian

You will search your high street in vain for the now virtually obsolete business of clothes repair and alteration.

The Guardian - Opinion

He continued to create an entertaining sportscast long after ESPN's "Sports Center made highlights on local newscasts virtually obsolete.

The New York Times - Sports

This has led some climate scientists to say the agreement is "toothless" and virtually obsolete without US support.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

It's also a billion-dollar investment that could be rendered obsolete virtually overnight by a global crackdown on carbon dioxide.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the aftermath of such an attack, regulatory rule changes that the public and politicians would see as merely being common sense would obsolete virtually the entire data center investment of all the top U.S. and world financial companies overnight.

Forbes

So why put all this effort into virtually recreating something as obsolete as letterpress printing, other than because you love it?

TechCrunch

By 1910 bridge whist was all but obsolete and auction bridge was virtually the only card game played by fashionable society and its emulators.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These days, virtually every new gadget we buy seems destined to become obsolete faster than we can tear it from its shiny packaging.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "virtually obsolete", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the subject is nearing obsolescence. Providing specific reasons (e.g., technological advancements, changes in societal norms) adds clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually obsolete" when the subject still retains significant relevance or usage. "Virtually obsolete" implies near-complete disuse; ensure the situation warrants such a strong declaration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually obsolete" functions as a descriptive term, modifying a noun to indicate that it is almost entirely out of use or relevance. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtually obsolete" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe something nearing obsolescence, according to Ludwig. Its primary function is descriptive, conveying that something is almost entirely out of use due to changes or advancements. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's crucial to ensure the term accurately reflects the subject's near-complete disuse to avoid overstatement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and it's mainly used in News & Media and Encyclopedias. Remember to consider alternatives like "almost outdated" or "nearly defunct" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practically outmoded

Replaces 'virtually' with 'practically' and 'obsolete' with 'outmoded', offering a slightly less formal tone.

almost outdated

Substitutes 'virtually' with 'almost' and 'obsolete' with 'outdated', conveying a similar meaning with simpler vocabulary.

nearly defunct

Replaces 'virtually obsolete' with 'nearly defunct', indicating that something has almost ceased to exist or function.

essentially superseded

Employs 'essentially superseded', suggesting that something has been replaced by something better or more effective.

effectively non-existent

Replaces 'virtually obsolete' with 'effectively non-existent', highlighting the lack of practical presence or relevance.

largely unused

Substitutes 'virtually obsolete' with 'largely unused', focusing on the infrequent usage of something.

on the verge of extinction

Replaces 'virtually obsolete' with 'on the verge of extinction', emphasizing the imminence of complete disappearance or disuse.

becoming a thing of the past

Expresses that something is 'becoming a thing of the past', emphasizing that it is fading from memory and use.

relic of a bygone era

Uses 'relic of a bygone era' to convey that something is an artifact from a past time, now largely irrelevant.

superfluous in modern context

Indicates that something is 'superfluous in modern context', highlighting that it is no longer needed or useful in current times.

FAQs

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

You can use "virtually obsolete" to describe something that is almost entirely out of use, such as, "With the advent of streaming services, physical media like DVDs are becoming "virtually obsolete"."

What are some alternatives to saying "virtually obsolete"?

Alternatives include "almost outdated", "nearly defunct", or "essentially superseded", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "virtually obsolete" in formal writing?

Yes, "virtually obsolete" is appropriate for formal writing, but ensure the context justifies its use. Consider alternatives if a less strong term is more accurate.

What is the difference between "obsolete" and "virtually obsolete"?

"Obsolete" means completely out of date or no longer in use, while "virtually obsolete" implies something is almost completely out of use but may still exist in rare instances.