adjective

obsolete

/ˈɑbsəliːt/ · say it: AHB·suh·leet

no longer in use; out of date

In Sophisticated Everyday

In more detail

1. (adjective) no longer used or no longer in fashion; out of date

2. (adjective) no longer produced or manufactured

Examples

1. The typewriter is now obsolete because everyone uses computers.
2. That model of car has been obsolete for ten years.

How to use obsolete

Obsolete typically describes things that are no longer in use because they are outdated or no longer manufactured, often with a sense of finality or completeness. It is more formal and technical than simply 'outdated' and implies that something has been entirely superseded. It is commonly used for technology, practices, or manufactured goods that have been replaced by newer alternatives.

Common phrases

obsolete technology
become obsolete
render obsolete
obsolete equipment
fall obsolete
obsolete software

Synonyms

outdated · outmoded · archaic · antiquated · dated

Opposites

current · modern · up-to-date

Word family

obsolescence (noun) · obsolescent (adjective) · obsoleteness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'obsolete' with 'obsolescent'; obsolescent means becoming obsolete or falling out of use, while obsolete means already out of use.

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