Obsolete Definition and Meaning
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 5, 2024
"Obsolete" describes something outdated or no longer in use, often replaced by newer technology or ideas. e.g., The typewriter became obsolete with the advent of computers.
Table of Contents
Obsolete Definitions
Obsolete signifies being superseded by new technology or advancements.
VHS tapes are considered obsolete in the digital era.
Obsolete means no longer used, typically because of being replaced.
Floppy disks became obsolete with modern storage devices.
Obsolete means not practiced or used anymore.
The tradition has become obsolete over time.
Obsolete refers to something outmoded or outdated.
The old factory machinery is now obsolete.
Obsolete implies being out of date and no longer efficient.
The software was obsolete and needed upgrading.
Obsolete involves being replaced due to advancements or changes.
The introduction of LEDs made older bulbs obsolete.
Obsolete conveys being discarded due to age or irrelevance.
His cell phone model is now considered obsolete.
Obsolete indicates being outdated in design or style.
Her fashion sense was charmingly obsolete.
No longer in use
An obsolete word.
Outmoded in design, style, or construction
An obsolete locomotive.
(Biology) Vestigial or rudimentary, especially in comparison with related or ancestral species, as the tailbone of an ape. Used of an organ or other part of an organism.
To cause to become obsolete
"The textbook publishers use every trick known to the marketing mind to obsolete their products year after year, thus closing off the possibility of second-hand sales" (Thomas Frank).
(of words, equipment, etc.) No longer in use; gone into disuse; disused or neglected (often in favour of something newer).
It is speculated that, within a few years, the Internet's speedy delivery of news worldwide will make newspapers obsolete.
(biology) Imperfectly developed; not very distinct.
To cause to become obsolete.
This software component has been obsoleted.
We are in the process of obsoleting this product.
No longer in use; gone into disuse; disused; neglected; as, an obsolete word; an obsolete statute; - applied chiefly to words, writings, or observances.
Not very distinct; obscure; rudimental; imperfectly developed; abortive.
To become obsolete; to go out of use.
Old; no longer in use or valid or fashionable;
Obsolete words
An obsolete locomotive
Outdated equipment
Superannuated laws
Out-of-date ideas
No longer in use;
Obsolete words
Obsolete denotes something no longer in production or use.
Dial-up internet is largely obsolete today.
Obsolete suggests something that has fallen into disuse.
The old navigation tools are obsolete in modern ships.
Obsolete Snonyms
Outmoded
No longer accepted, current, or used; replaced by something newer or better.
Outmoded teaching methods were replaced with interactive learning.
Antiquated
Old-fashioned or outdated; belonging to an earlier period.
Antiquated laws need revising to fit modern society.
Archaic
Very old or old-fashioned; no longer in everyday use but sometimes used to impart an old-fashioned flavor.
Archaic words often appear in classical literature.
Outdated
No longer in use or fashionable; surpassed by newer versions or styles.
The outdated software couldn't run the latest applications.
Ancient
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence.
Ancient artifacts were discovered during the excavation.
Dated
Showing the age or period something belongs to, often implying it's no longer current.
The decor in the room felt dated and in need of an update.
Discarded
Thrown away or rejected because it is no longer useful or necessary.
Discarded equipment littered the warehouse floor.
Unfashionable
Not in accord with the current fashion, style, or trend.
Unfashionable clothes from the past sometimes make a comeback.
Expired
No longer valid, in effect, or in use.
The expired license needed to be renewed.
Superseded
Replaced in power, authority, effectiveness, use, etc., by another person or thing.
The old model was superseded by a newer, more efficient one.
Obsolete Idioms & Phrases
Render obsolete
To cause something to become outdated or no longer in use.
The invention of smartphones rendered many old types of mobile phones obsolete.
Obsolete by design
Intentionally created to become outdated after a certain period or use.
Some consumers felt that the gadgets were obsolete by design to encourage frequent upgrades.
Obsolete in practice
No longer used or applied, even if not officially outdated.
While not formally discontinued, the procedure was obsolete in practice.
Declare something obsolete
Officially state that something is no longer relevant or in use.
The manufacturer declared the older model obsolete after releasing the new one.
Bordering on obsolete
Very close to becoming outdated or irrelevant.
The technology was bordering on obsolete, so the company planned a major upgrade.
Obsolete but cherished
No longer useful or current, but still valued or loved for sentimental reasons.
The typewriter was obsolete but cherished as a reminder of the past.
Obsolete in concept
Outdated in terms of the ideas or principles it is based on.
The model was obsolete in concept and didn't fit the modern market.
Turn obsolete
To become outdated or no longer effective.
With the new software update, the previous version quickly turned obsolete.
Obsolete terminology
Words or phrases that are no longer used in current language or context.
The report was full of obsolete terminology, making it difficult to understand.
Become technologically obsolete
To become outdated due to advances in technology.
VHS tapes became technologically obsolete with the advent of DVDs and streaming.
Obsolete in the wake of progress
Becoming outdated as a result of progress or development.
Many traditional practices became obsolete in the wake of technological progress.
Obsolete in theory
Considered outdated in terms of theoretical knowledge or understanding.
The scientific theory was obsolete in theory, yet still taught in some classrooms.
Obsolete Example Sentences
His parents still owned an obsolete television set.
The old computer system in the library is obsolete.
Many skills learned in the past are now obsolete.
She thought the idea of handwritten letters was charming, but obsolete.
The invention of smartphones made many other gadgets obsolete.
Their map was obsolete, showing roads that no longer existed.
He collected obsolete currency from different countries.
Some believe that physical books will become obsolete due to ebooks.
The professor said that the theory was now considered obsolete.
The teacher explained how certain laws had become obsolete.
They were surprised to find their language skills obsolete in the new country.
The vehicle's design was impressive but ultimately obsolete.
Her approach to solving the problem was innovative but soon became obsolete.
The museum displayed obsolete technologies from the 20th century.
The old gaming consoles in the attic were obsolete.
Common Curiosities
How many syllables are in obsolete?
There are 3 syllables in "obsolete."
Why is it called obsolete?
It is called obsolete because it comes from the Latin word "obsoletus," meaning worn out or faded, used to describe something no longer in use or out of date.
What is the root word of obsolete?
The root word of obsolete is the Latin word "obsoletus," meaning worn out or faded.
What is another term for obsolete?
Another term for obsolete is "outdated" or "antiquated."
What part of speech is obsolete?
Obsolete is an adjective.
How do we divide obsolete into syllables?
Obsolete is divided into syllables as ob-so-lete.
What is a stressed syllable in obsolete?
In the word "obsolete," the second syllable "so" is stressed.
How is obsolete used in a sentence?
Obsolete is used as an adjective, e.g., "The machinery became obsolete due to technological advancements."
Is obsolete a noun or adjective?
Obsolete is an adjective.
What is the pronunciation of obsolete?
Obsolete is pronounced as /ˌɑb.səˈliːt/.
What is the singular form of obsolete?
Obsolete is the same in both singular and plural forms; it does not change.
What is the verb form of obsolete?
Obsolete itself is an adjective. The verb form, though not commonly used, can be "obsolesce."
Is obsolete an adverb?
No, obsolete is not an adverb; it is an adjective.
Is the obsolete term a metaphor?
The word "obsolete" itself is not a metaphor, but it can be used metaphorically to describe something that is outdated or no longer in use.
What is the opposite of obsolete?
The opposite of obsolete could be "modern" or "current."
Is obsolete an abstract noun?
Obsolete is not a noun; it is an adjective.
Is obsolete a collective noun?
No, obsolete is not a collective noun; it's an adjective.
Is the word obsolete Gerund?
No, "obsolete" is not a gerund; it is an adjective.
Which preposition is used with obsolete?
Prepositions used with "obsolete" vary based on context, like "obsolete in today's market" or "obsolete due to advancements."
Which conjunction is used with obsolete?
Conjunctions are not specific to the word "obsolete" and depend on the sentence structure. Examples include "and," "but," or "or."
What is the plural form of obsolete?
Obsolete is the same in both singular and plural forms; it does not change.
Is obsolete a negative or positive word?
Obsolete generally has a negative connotation, implying outdatedness or lack of utility.
Is obsolete a vowel or consonant?
The word "obsolete" starts with a vowel.
Is the word “obsolete” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Obsolete" is an adjective and does not serve as a direct or indirect object.
Which determiner is used with obsolete?
Determiners like "a," "an," "the," or possessives like "my," "your," etc., can be used with "obsolete" depending on the context, e.g., "an obsolete model."
Which article is used with obsolete?
The indefinite article "an" is used with "obsolete" when it precedes a noun starting with a vowel sound, e.g., "an obsolete method." "The" can be used when referring to a specific instance, e.g., "the obsolete system."
Is obsolete a countable noun?
Obsolete is not a noun; it is an adjective and therefore not countable.
Is the word obsolete imperative?
No, "obsolete" is not imperative; it is an adjective.
Which vowel is used before obsolete?
When using an indefinite article before "obsolete," "an" is used because "obsolete" begins with a vowel sound, e.g., "an obsolete technology."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
