obsolete
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/ˌɑːbsəˈliːt/
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No longer used or useful, and as a verb the act of making something outdated by replacing it with something newer or better.
Examples
The invention obsoleted several earlier models within a year.
His argument relies on obsolete assumptions about technology.
This update obsoletes the previous installation guide.
The company stopped supporting obsolete software.
The team is obsoleting legacy systems in stages.
Similar words
render obsolete
phase outdisplace
outmoded
superseded
outdated
antiquated
archaic
retire
dated
Meanings
Examples
The obsolete typewriter sat on a shelf gathering dust.
Many obsolete laws were repealed after the reform.
The museum displays obsolete equipment from the 1970s.
His argument relies on obsolete assumptions about technology.
The company stopped supporting obsolete software.
Similar words
outdated
outmoded
antiquated
archaic
dated
superseded
Examples
New safety standards obsolete the old procedure.
The invention obsoleted several earlier models within a year.
The team is obsoleting legacy systems in stages.
This update obsoletes the previous installation guide.
Digital maps largely obsoleted paper road atlases for daily navigation.
Similar words
supersede
replace
displace
phase outretire
render obsolete
Etymology
From Latin obsolescere, meaning “to fall into disuse,” through French obsolète.
FAQ
Obsolete means no longer used, no longer useful, or replaced by something newer or better.
Is obsolete stronger than outdated?
Often yes. Outdated can still be usable, while obsolete usually suggests that something has been superseded or has fallen out of use.
Yes. To obsolete something is to make it outdated or unnecessary, usually by replacing it with something newer.
What is the noun form of obsolete?
The usual noun is obsolescence, as in planned obsolescence or software obsolescence.
What is the opposite of obsolete?
Common opposites of obsolete include current, modern, up-to-date, and contemporary.
How do you pronounce obsolete?
Obsolete is pronounced /ˌɑːbsəˈliːt/.
What does obsoleted mean?
Obsoleted means made obsolete, as when a new standard replaces an older one.
Where does obsolete come from?
Obsolete comes from Latin obsolescere, meaning “to fall into disuse,” through French obsolète.
Is obsolete used for words?
Yes. An obsolete word is one that is no longer in ordinary use.
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