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obsolete
IPA:
Dictionary definition of obsolete
Outdated or no longer relevant or in use, often because it has been replaced by something newer and more advanced.
"His skills had become obsolete and he was forced to retrain."
Detailed meaning of obsolete
Obsolete things can range from physical objects like technology or equipment, to abstract concepts like skills or knowledge. Obsoleteness is a natural result of progress and change, as new innovations emerge and render old things no longer effective or relevant. When something becomes obsolete, it may no longer be useful or desired, and it may eventually be discarded or forgotten. This process of obsolescence can have both positive and negative impacts, driving innovation and progress on one hand, but also leading to waste, unemployment, and cultural loss on the other. While obsolescence is inevitable in a rapidly changing world, it can be managed and mitigated through proactive planning and adaptation.
Example sentences containing obsolete
1. My computer became obsolete within a few years, unable to keep up with the latest software.
2. The farmer's obsolete machinery made it difficult for him to compete with more technologically advanced farms.
3. We replaced our obsolete kitchen appliances during the renovation to make cooking more efficient.
4. His methods of teaching, although obsolete, were still deeply cherished by his students.
5. The typewriter, once a staple of office life, has become obsolete with the advent of computers.
6. The Internet has made the practice of sending letters through the post almost completely obsolete.
History and etymology of obsolete
The adjective 'obsolete' has its origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'obsoletus,' which comes from 'obsolescere,' meaning 'to grow old' or 'to wear out.' The Latin 'obsolescere' is a combination of 'ob-' meaning 'away' or 'completely' and 'solescere' meaning 'to grow accustomed to.' Therefore, the etymology of 'obsolete' conveys the idea of something that has grown old and is no longer in common use or relevance. In English, it is used to describe things that are outdated or no longer relevant, often because they have been replaced by something newer and more advanced. The term 'obsolete' underscores the concept of things becoming antiquated or falling into disuse over time, reflecting its historical connection to the idea of obsolescence and the passage of time rendering things irrelevant.
Further usage examples of obsolete
1. The old factory was full of obsolete equipment, remnants of a bygone industrial era.
2. She felt her skills were becoming obsolete in the rapidly evolving tech industry.
3. The obsolete laws were finally updated to reflect the modern values of society.
4. The phone booth, once a common sight on city streets, is now an obsolete artifact.
5. Their business model became obsolete as consumers shifted their shopping habits online.
6. The current software update will make all previous versions obsolete.
7. Many traditional crafts have become obsolete in the face of mass-produced goods.
8. The car's obsolete navigation system struggled to provide accurate directions on new roads.
9. She nostalgically held on to her obsolete vinyl records, treasuring their crackling sound.
10. The release of a new smartphone made their previous model feel instantly obsolete.
11. Obsolete protocols were replaced to increase efficiency within the corporation.
12. My dad still uses an obsolete VCR player to watch his collection of old movies.
13. The obsolete fort stands as a symbol of a time when defense strategies were different.
14. The invention of electricity rendered oil lamps obsolete, relegating them to historical relics.
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Deficiency and Shortage, Ravage and Ruin, Deterioration and Decline, Decline and Decay, Disappearance and Loss, Elimination and Suspension, Ending and Conclusion, Middle School 15, Ineffectual and Obsolete
ancient,antiquated,antique,archaic,dated,discontinued,extinct,irrelevant,outdated,outmoded,outworn
ineffective,superannuated,superseded,unfashionable,unused
Synonyms for obsolete
Quiz categories containing obsolete
outdated, current, modern, contemporary
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