Words / C2

DESW-it-yood/ˈdeswɪtjuːd/

Desuetude is a state of disuse (formal): fall into desuetude, a rule in desuetude. Unused (already in the dictionary) is everyday not being used; obsolete (already in the dictionary) is no longer used because something newer has replaced it — the close twin of replacement, not of mere neglect. This batch: sclerotic is rigid and unable to adapt, of a living system stuck, not of a log left idle. A lapsed log still has to say who holds the clinic.

Meaning

A state of disuse (formal).

Examples

• “Desuetude of the spare-key log still has to say who holds the clinic, or that cover has lapsed.”
• “Unused is not being used (already in C1). Obsolete is out of date because replaced (already in C1). Sclerotic is rigid and unable to adapt (this batch). A short true line can still name a lapse. Silence that never states the holder is a hole. Write who holds the key, or write that cover has lapsed.”

Good to know

A state of disuse (formal). Close: unused / obsolete (already in C1). This batch: sclerotic (stuck, not idle). Silence ≠ a holder.

Near in meaning

disuse, neglect, obsolescence, lapse

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