Word
expired
Phoneticsex·pired, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪkˈspaɪɹd/
UK/ɛkspˈaɪəd/
Definitions
01no longer valid
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. no longer useful or legal because the set time has passed.
adj. having reached the end of a period of validity; no longer legally or practically effective.
“I couldn't board the plane because my passport was expired.”
“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'.
02ended or died
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
v. the past action of coming to an end or dying.
v. the past tense of 'expire', indicating that a time limit has passed or a person has ceased to breathe.
“The old contract expired last night at midnight.”
“The patient expired peacefully in the early hours of the morning, surrounded by his immediate family.”
Teaching 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.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“There were large quantities of expired equipment, that was past its useful life.” “US president says Iran should 'put up the white flag of surrender' as the two nations’ MoU expired on Monday.” - 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/expired