dead letter

Noun

Meaning

the state of something that has outlived its relevance

mail that can neither be delivered nor returned

Source: WordNet

Alternative names

dead-letter

Synonyms

non-issue dead mail bagatelle nothing trifle nullity inessential nixie small potatoes nonissue no big deal nonproblem matter of no importance thing of no importance trifling matter
Show all synonyms

Hypernyms

state letter missive

Examples

Aftermath The constitution of 1919 was never formally repealed, but the Enabling Act meant that it was a dead letter. Source: Internet

“The supposed rule is a dead letter in speech, and in most kinds of writing,” Butterfield writes. Source: Internet

Dead letter The phrase "dead letter" refers to legislation that has not been revoked, but that has become inapplicable or obsolete or is no longer enforced. Source: Internet

His successful amendment that the county need only fund those schools where the buildings were in good repair served to make the Act a dead letter in Wales, where the counties were able to show that most Church of England schools were in poor repair. Source: Internet

If he or she is also chief executive, he or she can thus politically control the necessary executive measures without which a proclaimed law can remain dead letter, sometimes for years or even forever. Source: Internet

It was a dead letter. Source: Internet

Close letter words and terms

dead last dead leaves dead leg dead letter drop dead letter mail dead letter office