Outdated: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

outdated

 

[ ˌaʊtˈdeɪtɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

technology

No longer useful or effective because of being old-fashioned or obsolete.

Synonyms

antiquated, archaic, obsolete, old-fashioned, outmoded.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
outdated

This word is often used to describe something that is no longer current or up-to-date, especially when it has been replaced by something newer.

  • His phone is outdated and can't run the latest apps.
  • The company's old policies are outdated.
obsolete

This word is commonly used to describe something that has become useless because something better or more effective has been created.

  • Technology quickly makes older models obsolete.
  • The company replaced its obsolete equipment with modern machinery.
antiquated

This term is used to describe something that is very old and no longer useful or suitable for modern times. It carries a slightly negative connotation.

  • The antiquated computer system needs a complete overhaul.
  • Her beliefs are quite antiquated and don't fit in today's society.
old-fashioned

This term is used to describe someone or something that belongs to a time in the past. It can be neutral or slightly negative but is sometimes affectionate or nostalgic.

  • He has an old-fashioned approach to parenting.
  • The design of the house is quite old-fashioned but charming.
outmoded

This word is typically used to describe something that is no longer in fashion or widely used. It carries a slightly negative connotation.

  • The outmoded teaching methods need to be updated.
  • She refuses to wear outmoded clothing.
archaic

Use this word to refer to something that is extremely old and belongs to an earlier period of history. It is often used in a more formal or literary context.

  • The museum has an archaic collection of tools.
  • Ancient civilizations left behind many archaic relics.

Examples of usage

  • The software is outdated and needs to be updated.
  • Her phone is so outdated that she can't even download the latest apps.
Context #2 | Adjective

fashion

No longer in style or fashionable.

Synonyms

antiquated, obsolete, old-fashioned, outmoded, unfashionable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
outdated

Used for something that is no longer current or relevant in today's time.

  • He was using outdated software that didn't support new features.
  • Her phone model is outdated and lacks modern capabilities.
outmoded

Describes something that is no longer fashionable or commonly used, often with a slight connotation of being ineffective.

  • The outmoded equipment in the factory needs an upgrade.
  • Her outmoded ideas about the internet seem laughable today.
unfashionable

Refers specifically to styles, clothes, or trends that are not currently in vogue.

  • Wearing socks with sandals is considered unfashionable.
  • His haircut seems a bit unfashionable these days.
old-fashioned

Used to describe things or ideas that belong to a past era and are not popular anymore, often carrying a nostalgic or affectionate tone.

  • She prefers the old-fashioned way of writing letters instead of emails.
  • His taste in music is quite old-fashioned.
obsolete

Describes something that is no longer in use, often replaced by something newer and more effective.

  • With the advent of smartphones, pagers have become obsolete.
  • This old technology is now obsolete and should be replaced immediately.
antiquated

Refers to something that is very old and may seem unnecessary or too old-fashioned for modern use.

  • The company is using antiquated methods that slow down production.
  • Her views on gender roles are quite antiquated.

Examples of usage

  • Her outfit is outdated and needs to be refreshed.
  • The trend she is following is completely outdated.

Translations

Translations of the word "outdated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desatualizado

🇮🇳 पुराना

🇩🇪 veraltet

🇮🇩 usang

🇺🇦 застарілий

🇵🇱 przestarzały

🇯🇵 時代遅れ

🇫🇷 obsolète

🇪🇸 desactualizado

🇹🇷 modası geçmiş

🇰🇷 구식의

🇸🇦 عفا عليها الزمن

🇨🇿 zastaralý

🇸🇰 zastaraný

🇨🇳 过时

🇸🇮 zastarel

🇮🇸 úreltur

🇰🇿 ескірген

🇬🇪 მოძველებული

🇦🇿 köhnəlmiş

🇲🇽 desactualizado

Etymology

The word 'outdated' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the prefix 'out-' meaning 'beyond' and 'date', referring to the point in time when something is considered current. Over time, 'outdated' has become widely used in various contexts to describe things that are no longer relevant, effective, or in fashion.

See also: antedated, backdate, dated, dating, outdate, predate.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,057, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.