obsolete

/ˌɑːbsəˈliːt/

Say it: ob-suh-LEET

1. adjective No longer produced or used; out of date because it has been replaced by something newer and better.
The company stopped making parts for the obsolete VCR models years ago.
2. verb To make a product or system no longer useful by developing a new and better version.
The new software update will obsolete the previous version, which will no longer be supported.
3. adjective In biology, referring to a part or organ that is rudimentary or no longer fully developed compared to its equivalent in other organisms.
The bird has an obsolete claw on its wing, a remnant of its reptilian ancestors.

📖 Seen in the wild

Typewriters are now largely obsolete, replaced by computers and word processors.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ obsolete in a sentence

Many people believe the electoral college is an obsolete system that should be abolished.
The factory was full of obsolete machinery that was inefficient and costly to run.
My first computer, with its floppy disk drive, is now a museum piece, completely obsolete.
New legislation quickly rendered our old data storage methods obsolete.
She has a knack for finding value in items others consider obsolete.
The rise of digital photography made traditional film cameras largely obsolete for the average consumer.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

outdated antiquated archaic defunct outmoded passé superseded disused

outdated · suggests being behind the times but not necessarily completely useless.

antiquated · implies being so old as to be comical, charming, or impractical.

archaic · typically refers to things, like language or laws, from a much earlier historical period.

defunct · means no longer existing or functioning, often used for companies or organizations.

Opposites: current, modern, contemporary, cutting-edge, new

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'obsolete' traces back to the 1570s from the Latin word 'obsoletus', meaning 'grown old, worn out, or fallen into disuse'. This itself comes from the verb 'obsolescere', which means 'to fall into disuse'. The root parts are 'ob' (in the way of) and 'solere' (to be accustomed to), painting a picture of something that has fallen out of common custom.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

become obsoleterender obsoleteobsolete technologyobsolete equipmentlargely obsoletecompletely obsolete

'Obsolete' is a strong word that implies a final state; the item in question is not just old but has been fully replaced. It is stronger than 'outdated', which simply means something is not current. While you can say a person's skills are obsolete, calling a person obsolete can be offensive, suggesting they are no longer useful. The verb form, 'to obsolete something', is more common in technical and business contexts.

Word family: obsolescence, obsolesce

💬 Quick answers

What does obsolete mean?

Obsolete means something is no longer used or produced because it has been replaced by something newer and more effective. It describes things that are completely out of date, not just old-fashioned.

What is the difference between 'obsolete' and 'outdated'?

'Obsolete' implies something is totally disused and has been superseded. 'Outdated' is less severe, suggesting something is old-fashioned but may still be functional or in limited use.

Can a person's skills be obsolete?

Yes, a person's skills or knowledge can become obsolete if they are no longer relevant or useful due to new technology or methods. It is less common and can sound harsh to call a person obsolete.

What is an example of something that is obsolete?

A classic example is the floppy disk. It was once the standard for data storage but is now obsolete, having been completely replaced by USB drives, cloud storage, and other modern technologies.

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