lapsed 🔊
Meaning of lapsed
No longer active, valid, or continued; expired or discontinued.
Key Difference
While 'lapsed' often implies a gradual or unintentional ending, its synonyms may suggest deliberate termination or abrupt cessation.
Example of lapsed
- His gym membership lapsed after he forgot to renew it for six months.
- The insurance policy lapsed because the premiums were not paid on time.
Synonyms
expired 🔊
Meaning of expired
No longer valid or in effect, typically after a set period.
Key Difference
'Expired' often refers to something that has reached the end of a predefined time limit, whereas 'lapsed' may imply negligence or forgetfulness.
Example of expired
- Her driver's license expired last month, and she needs to renew it.
- The coupon expired before he could use it.
terminated 🔊
Meaning of terminated
Brought to an end, often formally or abruptly.
Key Difference
'Terminated' suggests a deliberate or forced ending, while 'lapsed' is more passive.
Example of terminated
- The contract was terminated due to a breach of agreement.
- His employment was terminated after repeated violations of company policy.
discontinued 🔊
Meaning of discontinued
Stopped or no longer produced or provided.
Key Difference
'Discontinued' often refers to products or services intentionally withdrawn, while 'lapsed' implies a natural or unintentional end.
Example of discontinued
- The old model of the smartphone was discontinued after the new version launched.
- The magazine was discontinued due to low subscription rates.
void 🔊
Meaning of void
No longer legally binding or valid.
Key Difference
'Void' often implies invalidation by authority, whereas 'lapsed' suggests a natural expiration.
Example of void
- The agreement became void when one party failed to meet the conditions.
- A void check cannot be used for transactions.
obsolete 🔊
Meaning of obsolete
No longer in use or outdated.
Key Difference
'Obsolete' refers to something replaced by newer alternatives, while 'lapsed' indicates cessation without necessarily being outdated.
Example of obsolete
- Floppy disks are now obsolete in modern computing.
- The old law became obsolete after the new legislation was passed.
defunct 🔊
Meaning of defunct
No longer existing or functioning.
Key Difference
'Defunct' often describes organizations or systems that have ceased operations, while 'lapsed' can refer to temporary or individual cases.
Example of defunct
- The once-popular airline is now defunct.
- The defunct factory was demolished to make way for a new mall.
invalid 🔊
Meaning of invalid
Not legally or officially acceptable.
Key Difference
'Invalid' suggests something was never valid or was nullified, while 'lapsed' implies a previous validity that ended.
Example of invalid
- An invalid passport cannot be used for international travel.
- The ticket was invalid because it was purchased from an unauthorized seller.
abandoned 🔊
Meaning of abandoned
Left without intention to return or continue.
Key Difference
'Abandoned' implies a deliberate act of desertion, while 'lapsed' suggests a more passive discontinuation.
Example of abandoned
- The abandoned building became a haven for stray animals.
- He abandoned his plans to start a business due to financial constraints.
ceased 🔊
Meaning of ceased
Stopped or brought to an end.
Key Difference
'Ceased' is a general term for stopping, while 'lapsed' often refers to time-bound validity ending.
Example of ceased
- The rain ceased just in time for the outdoor event.
- The company ceased operations after years of losses.
Conclusion
- 'Lapsed' is best used when referring to something that has expired or ended due to inaction or time, such as memberships or policies.
- 'Expired' is suitable when referring to documents or agreements that have reached their end date.
- 'Terminated' should be used when something is ended formally or abruptly, like contracts or employment.
- 'Discontinued' fits when products or services are intentionally stopped.
- 'Void' applies to agreements or checks that are no longer legally valid.
- 'Obsolete' is used for outdated technology or practices replaced by newer versions.
- 'Defunct' describes organizations or systems that no longer exist.
- 'Invalid' refers to items that were never valid or have been nullified.
- 'Abandoned' implies deliberate desertion of plans or properties.
- 'Ceased' is a general term for stopping any activity or process.