What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defunct
Example
The defunct factory was now a ghost town. [defunct: adjective]
Example
The company went defunct after the economic crisis. [defunct: adjective]
Example
The defunct law was replaced with a new one. [defunct: adjective]
disused
Example
The disused warehouse was now a popular spot for urban exploration. [disused: adjective]
Example
The disused railway track was overgrown with weeds. [disused: adjective]
Example
The disused technology was replaced with newer models. [disused: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disused is more commonly used than defunct in everyday language. Disused is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while defunct is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between defunct and disused?
Defunct is typically associated with a formal and official tone, while disused is more casual and informal, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
