Obsoleted Meaning: Definition and Examples
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obsoleted
[əbˈsōlət ]
Definition
become outdated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 When an item is obsoleted, it has typically been replaced by a newer version that better meets current needs.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make obsolete, render outdated, replace, supersede.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.
Interesting Facts
Technology
- Many gadgets from the past, like cassette players and floppy disks, have been obsoleted by portable music players and cloud storage.
- The rapid pace of technological advancement means new software frequently obsoletes older versions within months.
Cultural Impact
- Language can also become obsoleted; words can fall out of usage as society changes, for instance, terms used in older literature.
- Certain professions, like typesetters, became less common due to advancements in digital technology, making their skills obsolete.
Science
- In biology, species can become obsoleted in their ecosystems due to environmental changes that favor different organisms.
- The introduction of new treatments or technologies can render certain medical procedures obsolete, improving patient care.
Literature
- Classic literature often speaks of themes of obsolescence, such as the loss of traditions in modern society.
- Objection to obsoleted beliefs reflects the changing dynamics of philosophical thought throughout history.
Origin of 'obsoleted'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'obsoletus', which means 'worn out' or 'deserted'.
- The prefix 'ob-' means 'away', and 'solete' relates to 'being used up', indicating something is being pushed away from usefulness.
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.