Word
outdated
Phoneticsout·dat·ed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈaʊtˌdeɪtɪd/
UK/aʊtdˈeɪtɪd/
Definition
adj. no longer useful or modern because it is old or has been replaced by something better.
adj. no longer current, valid, or functional due to being superseded by newer developments or standards.
Examples
“That old computer software is completely outdated.”
“The company struggled to compete because its manufacturing equipment was outdated and inefficient.”
“While the theory was revolutionary in the nineteenth century, modern genetic research has rendered many of its core assumptions outdated.”
Examples
simple
“That old computer software is completely outdated.”
contextual
“The company struggled to compete because its manufacturing equipment was outdated and inefficient.”
complex
“While the theory was revolutionary in the nineteenth century, modern genetic research has rendered many of its core assumptions outdated.”
Usage
often used to describe technology, laws, or social attitudes.
Teaching tip
While 'old' is neutral, 'outdated' usually implies that the thing is now less effective or incorrect because of its age.
Real-World Examples
“But the solution is not to deny people the option to work remotely but instead to change outdated gender norms.” “She is also incredibly rude to young true crime podcaster Andi (Amalia Williamson), who comes to her book signing, because she knows Andi has called her work “outdated and inaccurate”.” Etymology
From outdate + -ed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/outdated