Word
invalidate
Phoneticsin·val·i·date, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈvæɫɪˌdeɪt/
UK/ɪnvˈælɪdˌeɪt/
Definition
v. to show that something is not true or correct. You use this when a fact or a rule no longer works because of new information.
v. to show that something is invalid or not true; to render a legal document or rule ineffective. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Examples
“New evidence can invalidate an old theory.”
“The judge invalidated the contract because one of the signers was not legally competent at the time.”
“The discovery of a significant error in the original data invalidated the entire study, forcing the researchers to begin the experiment from scratch with a larger sample size.”
Examples
simple
“New evidence can invalidate an old theory.”
contextual
“The judge invalidated the contract because one of the signers was not legally competent at the time.”
complex
“The discovery of a significant error in the original data invalidated the entire study, forcing the researchers to begin the experiment from scratch with a larger sample size.”
Real-World Examples
“But they do admit though that “being in an irregular situation once you have already presented your nationality application, would not invalidate that application and would still allow you to obtain a favourable answer”.” “These findings do not invalidate the earlier results.” Etymology
First attested in 1649; borrowed from Middle French invalider, from invalide + -er. By surface analysis, in- + validate or invalid + -ate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/invalidate