ENGLISH
REFERENCE

obsolete

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈɑbsəˌɫit// UK //ˈɒbsəlˌiːt// ob·so·lete

adj. no longer used because something newer and better has replaced it. You often hear this word used for old technology or outdated rules.

adj. no longer produced or used, typically because it has been superseded by a newer alternative. Frequently applied to technology, methods, or language.


SIMPLE

Smartphones make many older gadgets completely obsolete.

CONTEXTUAL

The factory had to replace its manufacturing equipment because the old machines were obsolete and spare parts were impossible to find.

COMPLEX

Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence threaten to render entire categories of software obsolete, forcing developers to continuously adapt their skill sets to remain relevant.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Latin obsolētus (“worn out, gone out of use”), past participle of obsolēscere (“to wear out, fall into disuse, grow old, decay”); see obsolesce.

Usage

Frequently collocates with the verbs 'become' or 'render'. Typically non-gradable, though comparative forms occasionally appear in informal speech.

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