disuse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Literary
Quick answer
What does “disuse” mean?
The state of no longer being used or practised.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state of no longer being used or practised; the cessation of use.
A period or condition of neglect, abandonment, or obsolescence leading to a decline in function or knowledge. Can imply a consequence (e.g., atrophy) resulting from lack of use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. The related adjective "disused" is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral-descriptive in both, though can carry a slightly formal or technical tone.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties. Slightly more common in written than spoken language.
Grammar
How to Use “disuse” in a Sentence
NOUN + fall/lapse/slide/slip into disuseVerb + through/because of/due to disuseAdjective + (e.g., rusty/atrophied) from disuseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disuse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This practice began to be disused in the Victorian era.
- The law was formally disused by the mid-18th century.
American English
- The regulation was officially disused in the 1950s.
- That manufacturing technique is now largely disused.
adverb
British English
- Not a standard adverbial form. Use phrases like 'through disuse' or 'from disuse'.
American English
- Not a standard adverbial form. Use phrases like 'through disuse' or 'from disuse'.
adjective
British English
- They explored the disused railway tunnel.
- The plan is to convert the disused factory into flats.
American English
- The hikers took shelter in a disused mining cabin.
- The city is revitalizing its disused waterfront.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describing outdated processes, machinery, or facilities. 'The old warehouse fell into disuse after the new distribution centre opened.'
Academic
Discussing historical practices, linguistic changes, or atrophied skills. 'The ancient ritual gradually fell into disuse by the 5th century.'
Everyday
Describing items or skills no longer used. 'My piano skills are rusty from disuse.'
Technical
Referring to the decommissioning of equipment or the atrophy of muscles/bodily functions. 'The muscle showed clear signs of atrophy due to disuse.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “disuse”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “disuse”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disuse”
- Using it as a verb directly (e.g., 'They disused the machine' is incorrect). Correct: 'The machine fell into disuse.' or 'They stopped using the machine.'
- Confusing 'disuse' (noun) with 'disused' (adjective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is listed as a verb in some comprehensive dictionaries (meaning 'to cease to use'), but it is extremely rare and formal. In modern English, the passive constructions 'fall into disuse' or 'become disused' are vastly more common.
'Disuse' means no longer being used (lack of use). 'Misuse' means using something incorrectly or improperly (wrong use).
Yes, 'disused' is a common adjective, especially in descriptions of buildings, facilities, or land (e.g., a disused station, a disused quarry).
Use it as the object of the phrase 'fall into' or 'lapse into'. Example: 'Many Latin terms have fallen into disuse in modern scientific writing.'
The state of no longer being used or practised.
Disuse is usually formal, academic, literary in register.
Disuse: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˈjuːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˈjuːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Fall into disuse”
- “Lapse into disuse”
- “Rusty from disuse”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS (not) + USE = the state of NOT being used.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISUSE IS NEGLECT/ABANDONMENT (a thing left alone), DISUSE IS DECAY/WITHERING (a thing deteriorating from lack of attention).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'disuse' in a formal historical context?