Obsoleted: meaning, definitions and examples
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obsoleted
[ əbˈsōlət ]
become outdated
To obsolete something means to render it no longer useful or necessary, often due to advances in technology or changes in society. When an item is obsoleted, it has typically been replaced by a newer version that better meets current needs.
Synonyms
make obsolete, render outdated, replace, supersede.
Examples of usage
- The rapid development of smartphones has obsoleted many traditional cameras.
- With the advent of streaming services, DVD rentals have been obsoleted.
- As technology progresses, older software can become obsoleted and unsupported.
- Many printing technologies have been obsoleted by digital publishing.
Etymology
The term 'obsolete' originated in the late 15th century from the Latin term 'obsoletus', which means 'worn out, old, or faded'. 'Obsoletus' is a past participle of the verb 'obsolescere', meaning 'to fall away, to grow old', which is related to the prefix 'ob-' meaning 'away' and 'solescere' meaning 'to become'. The concept behind the word has evolved, reflecting societal changes where new inventions or ideas make older practices or items irrelevant. Over time, the word has become commonly used in technology, culture, and economics to describe items, concepts, or practices that are no longer in use or have been replaced by something more effective.