ENGLISH
REFERENCE

expired

adj. · v.
US //ɪkˈspaɪɹd// UK //ɛkspˈaɪəd// ex·pired
  1. 1 no longer valid (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    no longer useful or legal because the set time has passed.

    having reached the end of a period of validity; no longer legally or practically effective.

    Example

    I couldn't board the plane because my passport was expired.

    Example

    The security guard refused entry to the visitor, noting that the identification badge had been expired for several months.

    Usage

    Often used as a predicative adjective after 'is' or 'has'.
  2. 2 ended or died (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    the past action of coming to an end or dying.

    the past tense of 'expire', indicating that a time limit has passed or a person has ceased to breathe.

    Example

    The old contract expired last night at midnight.

    Example

    The patient expired peacefully in the early hours of the morning, surrounded by his immediate family.

    Teacher's tip

    Using 'expired' for a person's death is very formal and mostly found in medical or legal contexts; 'passed away' is more common for general use.

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