an obsolete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obsolete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is no longer in use or has fallen out of fashion. Example: "The typewriter is considered an obsolete technology in the age of computers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Structure was an obsolete word.

The New York Times

It's an obsolete concept.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's an obsolete, religious, judgmental word.

Independent

"It is quite an obsolete portfolio.

The Guardian - Business

To most young people, the wristwatch is an obsolete artifact".

The New York Times

"Part time is an obsolete concept," he said.

The New York Times

Doors is a shell while DoorsOS is an obsolete kernel.

University of California, Berkeley

A MONOLITHIC operating system like Windows perpetuates an obsolete design.

The New York Times - Tech

It had been considered an obsolete instrument until then".

The New York Times

They're floundering because they are an obsolete business model.

The Guardian

THE cubit is not merely an obsolete unit; it is also an imprecise one.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technology or practices that are no longer relevant, use "an obsolete" to clearly indicate that they are outdated and have been replaced by more modern alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "an obsolete" when you mean "absolute". "Obsolete" refers to something outdated, while "absolute" refers to something total or without exception. For example, don't say "an obsolete requirement" if you mean "an absolute requirement".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "an obsolete" is to act as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is outdated or no longer in use. Ludwig provides examples where it describes concepts, technologies, and practices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an obsolete" functions as an adjective phrase used to describe something outdated or no longer in use. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "an outdated" or "an antiquated" can be used, "an obsolete" clearly conveys the idea of something being superseded by newer developments. It's important to differentiate "obsolete" from similar-sounding words like "absolute" to maintain clarity in writing. Considering the prevalence and consistent application of "an obsolete", it remains a valuable part of the English lexicon for describing items and ideas that have become outdated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an outdated

Simply states that something is no longer current or up-to-date.

an outmoded

Highlights that something is no longer fashionable or suitable for modern use.

an antiquated

Emphasizes being old-fashioned or outdated.

an archaic

Suggests something is very old and no longer in common use.

a disused

Implies something is no longer being used, often due to being out of date.

a deprecated

Focuses on the formal removal or disapproval of something, often in technical contexts.

a defunct

Indicates something that is no longer functioning or in existence.

a superannuated

Implies something has been retired due to age or obsolescence.

a passé

A French term indicating that something is no longer fashionable or current.

a bygone

Refers to something that belongs to a past era and is no longer in existence or use.

FAQs

How to use "an obsolete" in a sentence?

You can use "an obsolete" to describe something that is no longer in use or has been replaced by something newer. For example, "The typewriter is now "an obsolete" technology".

What can I say instead of "an obsolete"?

You can use alternatives like "an outdated", "an antiquated", or "an outmoded" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an obsolete method" or "a obsolete method"?

"An obsolete method" is correct. The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "an obsolete" and "a vintage"?

"An obsolete" item is no longer used or useful, while "a vintage" item, though old, is often valued for its historical significance or aesthetic appeal.