Expired

Expired, in its core meaning, signifies the state of having reached the end of a specified validity period. This applies to a wide range of contexts, from food and medications to subscriptions and licenses. An expired item is no longer usable, valid, or effective due to the passage of time. The term emphasizes that a predetermined timeframe for use or efficacy has been exceeded. Furthermore, it implies that a specific action or process related to maintaining validity has not been taken, such as renewing a subscription or consuming a product before its designated date. Ignoring an expiration could lead to undesirable consequences. Thus, 'expired' suggests a cessation of utility linked to a temporal constraint. The concept often includes the implication of possible dangers or limitations related to continued usage, for example safety concerns. The word 'expired' is therefore closely tied to obsolescence and invalidation, representing a point of transition from valid to unusable.

Expired meaning with examples

• The carton of milk sat forgotten in the back of the refrigerator, and I realized with a grimace that the expiration date had long passed. I sighed, knowing I would have to throw it away, and regretted my poor organizational skills, as I considered my shopping list. The expired milk was a waste, and it also posed a health risk, therefore disposal was necessary.
• My driver's license expired last month, and I completely forgot to renew it. Now I must visit the Department of Motor Vehicles, take a new photograph and endure all the lines and procedures necessary. It's an inconvenience, and I’ll be unable to drive until the new one arrives. The expired license is the direct result of my procrastination.
• The medicine, sitting on the shelf, was clearly marked with an expired date from last year. Taking the medicine would likely cause a lack of effect and would be harmful to my health. I quickly got the pharmacist to confirm it. The expired medication was obviously unusable, so I followed his advice and discarded it immediately.
• The software subscription to the video editing program expired at midnight, just as I was trying to finish an important project. Now I am unable to access the program, and must either renew the subscription or find an alternative tool. It's frustrating, as I really like it and have the perfect workflow. The expired software is making my work almost impossible.