Agency Dictionary
Obsolete
adjectivePronunciation: /ˈɒb.sə.liːt/
In Portuguese: Obsoleto
Technology & AIWhat does “Obsolete” mean?
No longer produced or used; out of date because a newer, more efficient replacement has emerged.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from Latin obsolētus (worn out, gone out of use), the past participle of obsolēscere (to wear out, fall into disuse, grow old). The Latin verb begins with ob-, and its second element is uncertain; it is often linked to solēre (to be accustomed, to be in use). The word came into English as a learned term and has been used mainly as an adjective since at least the sixteenth century.
Usage note
Obsolete implies that a thing has been fully replaced and is no longer in use; outdated implies that it lags behind current standards but may still be in use.
Synonyms
- outdated
- archaic
- antiquated
- superseded
Word family
- obsolescence
- obsolescent
- obsolesce
Rhymes with
- complete
- defeat
- fleet
- neat
- street
- discreet
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
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