desuetude

[ des-wi-tood, -tyood ]

noun

1. the state of being no longer used or practiced.

desuetude

/ ˈdɛswɪtjuːd; dɪˈsjuːɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. formal.
   the condition of not being in use or practice; disuse

   those ceremonies had fallen into desuetude

Word History and Origins

Origin of desuetude¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin dēsuētūdo, equivalent to dēsuē-, base of dēsuēscere “to become disaccustomed to, unlearn” ( dē- de- + suēscere “to become accustomed to”) + -tūdō -tude

Word History and Origins

Origin of desuetude¹

C15: from Latin dēsuētūdō, from dēsuescere to lay aside a habit, from de- + suescere to grow accustomed

Example Sentences

It turns heavily on great creaking hinges stiff from long desuetude, and swings to after us as with an ominous sigh.

From Project Gutenberg

Toasts have also fallen into "desuetude" at private dinners.

From Project Gutenberg

Having no means the Commission could do absolutely nothing, and hence may be said to be in a state of "innocuous desuetude."

From Project Gutenberg

James is strewn over about forty—part of which must go into desuetude, have perhaps done so already.

From Project Gutenberg

After the day of Pope the epistle again fell into desuetude, or occasional use, in England.

From Project Gutenberg