Obsolete
/ˈɑːbsəˌliːt/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Obsolete describes things, ideas, or technology that are out of date and no longer useful because newer versions or methods have replaced them. It often refers to old tools, machines, words, or rules that people do not use anymore.
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See It in Action
No longer used because replaced by something newer
- •The floppy disk is now obsolete technology.
- •Many old laws have become obsolete after new rules were made.
- •This software is obsolete and needs to be updated.
Out of date in general, not useful anymore
- •Some words in English are obsolete and rarely heard today.
- •The factory used obsolete machines that slowed down production.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "obsolete" like "old" (A1 word), but more than just old — it means no one uses it anymore because it's not helpful now.
- ✓Picture an old phone with buttons that no one uses because everyone has smartphones now.
- ✓It's the feeling when you find a toy from your childhood that nobody plays with any longer.
- ✓Sounds like "OB-so-leet" → imagine a boat (sounds like "boat") that is so old it can't float well and is left behind.
- ✓Think of stories where knights use swords, but now people use guns—swords are obsolete in that time.
- ✓NOT like "old" (which can still be useful), "obsolete" means completely replaced and no longer needed.
- ✓NOT like "broken" (something damaged but still used), "obsolete" means not used because it’s outdated.
- ✓NOT like "ancient" (very, very old), "obsolete" focuses on usefulness, not just age.
Try Other Words
- •Outdated: not modern or current (Use when something is old and no longer fits current needs)
- •Out of date: no longer correct or useful (Use in everyday speech for things no longer in use)
- •Old-fashioned: belonging to the past, not modern (Use when something is old style but might still be used)
- •Disused: no longer used (Use when something is physically left unused, like a disused building)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "ob-" (against, away) + root: "solete" (from Latin "solere," meaning accustomed or used to)
- •Etymology: From Latin "obsolescere," meaning to fall into disuse or become out of use
- •Historical development: Originally meant becoming worn out or no longer in use, adopted into English in the 16th century
- •Modern usage: Refers to anything no longer used because something better or newer exists
- •Key insight: Focuses on usefulness and relevance, not just age
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be old but not obsolete? How do you decide if something is still useful?
•How does technology make things obsolete faster today compared to the past?
Fill in the blanks
1.The old computer became obsolete ___ newer models with better features were released.
2.When a tool is obsolete, people usually ___ it and buy a new one.
3.Unlike broken items, obsolete things are not used because they are ___.
4.Some words become obsolete because people ___ to use them in daily speech.
5.The company replaced obsolete equipment ___ improve production speed.
6.Obsolete technology often means it is ___ with new and better versions.
7.When a law is obsolete, it no longer ___ the current situation or needs.