# antiquated

/ˈæntəˌkweɪtɪd/ (US) · /ˈæntɪkwˌeɪtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/antiquated
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

very old-fashioned and no longer useful or modern. You use this to describe things like old technology or laws that do not fit today's world.

For teachers: outdated or obsolete; belonging to an earlier period and no longer considered effective or appropriate. Often used to describe systems, machinery, or social attitudes.

## Examples

- The office still uses an antiquated filing system.
- Many critics argue that the country's antiquated tax laws need a complete overhaul to reflect the modern digital economy.
- The factory struggled to remain competitive while relying on antiquated machinery that required constant maintenance and consumed far more energy than contemporary alternatives.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.

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