Word
disuse
Phoneticsdis·use, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈjus/
UK/dɪsjˈuːs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. when you stop using something for a long time, so it becomes old, weak, or forgotten.
n. lack of use over an extended period, typically resulting in decay, obsolescence, or loss of function.
Examples
“The old playground falls into disuse every winter.”
“After the new bridge opens, the old ferry route falls into disuse and local shops lose customers.”
“The manor's library, once the heart of the house, sank into disuse as later generations preferred digital archives to dusty shelves.”
Examples
simple
“The old playground falls into disuse every winter.”
contextual
“After the new bridge opens, the old ferry route falls into disuse and local shops lose customers.”
complex
“The manor's library, once the heart of the house, sank into disuse as later generations preferred digital archives to dusty shelves.”
Usage
Typically appears in the phrases 'fall into disuse' and 'in disuse'.
Real-World Examples
“The second recast’s sound was deemed acceptable, and the bell was typically used to summon the Assembly, among other purposes, until it fell into disuse after the American Revolutionary War.” “They want to use disused mines to grow crops, believing the stable environment and ability to use existing infrastructure could reduce the high energy costs associated with conventional vertical farming.” “The law at the time allowed disused buildings to be used as emergency shelter for the homeless.” “Mogadishu International Seaport still must undergo drastic renovations after so many years of disuse, but it is ready to receive commercial traffic, said Sheik Abdulkadir Ali Omar, a member of the Islamic militia that has taken control of the capital and much of southern Somalia in recent months.” Etymology
From Old French desuser, equivalent to dis- + use.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/disuse