Definition

1. Adjective:
   • No longer being used or operational; inactive or discontinued: Describes something that was once functional or common but is now abandoned, obsolete, or shut down. It emphasizes the current state of disuse.

Usage

The phrase "out of use" functions as an adjective and is typically used after a linking verb like "is," "was," "are," or "were." It describes the condition of a thing, system, or practice. * It is used to describe physical objects (e.g., a machine, a road, a building). * It is used to describe systems, services, or practices (e.g., a method, a railway line, a custom). * It often implies a permanent or long-term state of abandonment.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The old factory has been out of use for over a decade.
  • That well-known phrase is now out of use in modern English.
  • The bridge was declared unsafe and is now out of use.

Advanced Usage

• "to fall out of use": This verbal phrase describes the of becoming obsolete or discontinued.
  • Flared trousers fell out of use in the 1980s but have recently made a comeback.
• "to go out of use": Similar to "fall out of use," this phrase describes the transition to a state of disuse.
  • This type of currency went out of use after the monetary reform.

Variants and Related Words

• Outdated (adj): No longer current or modern; old-fashioned.
  • The software is outdated and no longer receives security updates.
• Obsolete (adj): No longer produced or used; out of date, often because something better exists.
  • Fax machines are largely obsolete in most offices.
• Disused (adj): No longer in use. (Very close synonym, often used for buildings or facilities).
  • They explored the disused railway tunnel.

Synonyms

• Inactive: Not active or in use.
• Decommissioned: Withdrawn from active service (often for equipment or facilities).
• Defunct: No longer existing or functioning.

Related Phrases

• Out of service: Not available for use, often temporarily (e.g., an elevator, a website). "Out of use" suggests a more permanent state.
  • The escalator is out of service for repairs. (Temporary)
  • The escalator is out of use. (Likely permanent)
• Out of order: Not working properly; broken.
  • The vending machine is out of order.

Adjective

1. closed to traffic
   • the repaving results in many blocked streets