Obsolete Definition, Meaning and Synonyms
By Muneeza Rehman & Muazma Batool — Updated on April 29, 2024
Discover the correct use of 'Absolete,' often mistakenly spelled as 'Obsolete,' and learn to distinguish between these frequently confused English words. Our guide offers insights and tips for accurate spelling and usage.
Obsolete Definitions
Something not used anymore due to advancements.
Typewriters are largely obsolete in the modern office.
Muazma Batool
Jan 30, 2024
Technology superseded by newer innovations.
VHS tapes became obsolete with the rise of DVDs and streaming.
Bronson
Jan 30, 2024
Old-fashioned, not in use due to better designs.
The old rotary phones are now obsolete.
Smith
Jan 30, 2024
No longer trendy or in style.
Bell-bottom jeans are considered obsolete in current fashion trends.
Maverick
Jan 30, 2024
No longer relevant or applicable.
Such traditional methods are obsolete in modern scientific research.
Eleanor
Jan 30, 2024
A practice no longer followed or considered relevant.
Handwriting letters is nearly obsolete in the age of email.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 30, 2024
Replaced by something more modern or efficient.
With smartphones, traditional alarm clocks are becoming obsolete.
Xavier
Jan 30, 2024
Words or phrases no longer used in language.
Some Shakespearean terms are now obsolete in everyday speech.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 30, 2024
(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.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 30, 2024
Obsolete Synonyms
Outdated
No longer in use, typically because something newer exists.
The outdated software couldn't run the latest applications.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Antiquated
Old-fashioned or outdated, especially something that has not been used or practiced for a long time.
Antiquated laws can sometimes hinder modern societal progress.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Antique
Old and often valuable, but not suitable for modern use.
They filled their home with antique furniture that was beautiful but not very functional.
Darian
Apr 29, 2024
Outmoded
No longer accepted, fashionable, or used.
Outmoded attitudes toward work are changing in today’s digital age.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Archaic
Very old or old-fashioned, typically not in use anymore.
Archaic terms are often found in classical texts.
Smith
Apr 29, 2024
Defunct
No longer existing, operating, or functioning.
The company became defunct after failing to adapt to market changes.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Deprecated
Officially disapproved of or phased out.
That software feature is deprecated and will be removed in future updates.
Kalel
Apr 29, 2024
Extinct
No longer in existence; especially of a class of items no longer produced.
Typewriters are nearly extinct in the modern office.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Superseded
Replaced in power, authority, effectiveness, use, etc., by another person or thing.
The old methods were superseded by newer, more efficient techniques.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Discarded
Thrown away or rejected because it is no longer useful or necessary.
Discarded equipment piled up in the storeroom.
Xavier
Apr 29, 2024
Obsolete Idioms
Render obsolete
To make something outdated or irrelevant.
Smartphones render traditional landlines obsolete in many homes.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
Obsolete in its infancy
Becoming outdated very quickly.
The technology was obsolete in its infancy due to rapid advancements.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
Obsolete term
A word or phrase no longer in use.
'Thou' is an obsolete term in modern English.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
Obsolete before its time
Becoming outdated unexpectedly early.
The software became obsolete before its time due to new innovations.
Muazma Batool
Feb 23, 2024
Obsolete standard
A norm or benchmark that is no longer relevant.
The old educational curriculum was an obsolete standard.
Muazma Batool
Feb 23, 2024
Obsolete by design
Intentionally made to become outdated.
Some believe smartphones are obsolete by design to encourage upgrades.
Kalel
Feb 23, 2024
Obsolete mindset
An outdated way of thinking.
His obsolete mindset hindered progress in the team.
Asaiah
Feb 23, 2024
Obsolete Meaning in a Sentence
This software version is already obsolete.
Kalel
Feb 23, 2024
Floppy disks are now considered obsolete.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
With digital cameras, film rolls became obsolete.
Muazma Batool
Feb 23, 2024
The old machinery was obsolete and inefficient.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
Printed encyclopedias have become largely obsolete.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
Their tactics were rendered obsolete by new strategies.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
She uses an obsolete slang in her speech.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
Many traditional skills are becoming obsolete.
Camila
Feb 23, 2024
Their approach to marketing is totally obsolete.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
As technology advances, many jobs become obsolete.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
That model of phone is practically obsolete.
Muazma Batool
Feb 23, 2024
The agreement is now seen as obsolete.
Camila
Feb 23, 2024
Obsolete computers were donated to museums.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
Obsolete regulations need to be updated.
Xavier
Feb 23, 2024
CRT televisions are obsolete compared to LCDs.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'obsolete' be used as a verb?
No, 'obsolete' is not used as a verb; 'obsolesce' is the verb form.
Maverick
Feb 23, 2024
Can 'obsolete' be used in plural form?
No, 'obsolete' is an adjective and does not have a plural form.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
Is 'obsolete' gender-specific?
No, 'obsolete' is not gender-specific and can describe any gender-neutral subject.
Bronson
Feb 23, 2024
What fields commonly use the term 'obsolete'?
Fields like technology, fashion, linguistics, and manufacturing commonly use 'obsolete'.
Asaiah
Feb 23, 2024
Is 'obsolete' commonly used in everyday language?
Yes, 'obsolete' is commonly used to describe outdated technology or practices in everyday language.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
Is 'obsolete' ever used metaphorically?
Yes, 'obsolete' can be used metaphorically to describe outdated ideas or methods.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
Can 'obsolete' be modified by adverbs?
Yes, adverbs like 'completely', 'nearly', or 'virtually' can modify 'obsolete'.
Darian
Feb 23, 2024
How has the use of 'obsolete' evolved over time?
'Obsolete' has evolved to include a broader range of applications beyond physical objects to ideas and practices.
Maverick
Feb 23, 2024
What is the origin of the word 'obsolete'?
'Obsolete' originates from the Latin 'obsoletus', meaning grown old, worn out, or of no use.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
Are there synonyms for 'obsolete'?
Yes, synonyms include outdated, antiquated, outmoded, and passé.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
What is the most common context for using 'obsolete'?
The most common context is in technology and fashion, where rapid changes render older styles or devices obsolete.
Xavier
Feb 23, 2024
Can 'obsolete' have a positive connotation?
In rare contexts, 'obsolete' can have a positive connotation when it implies making way for superior advancements.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 23, 2024
Does 'obsolete' have a different meaning in British English?
No, the meaning of 'obsolete' is the same in both American and British English.
Camila
Feb 23, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Definitions Wiki, Muneeza's commitment to clarity and precision extends beyond the realm of definitions. She believes that a thorough understanding of words empowers individuals to communicate effectively and appreciate the beauty of language in all its forms.
Co-written by
Muazma BatoolAs a copywriter, Muazma weaves words into a tapestry of compelling stories that capture hearts and minds. With a keen eye for detail and a mastery of language, she crafts messages that move people to action and create lasting impact.
