an obsolete concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obsolete concept" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an idea or notion that is no longer relevant or has fallen out of use. Example: "With the advent of digital technology, the idea of a physical library as the sole source of information has become an obsolete concept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It's an obsolete concept.

The New York Times - Magazine

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

The New York Times

With modern communication and travel available to more people around the world, one could argue that the requirement of taking the World Cup to "new lands" is an obsolete concept.

The New York Times

Therefore, the Europeanization process would replace solidarity with sovereignty and sovereignty as an obsolete concept would not hinder the gradually emerging supranational European political community.

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

While various guidelines for adhesive bonds exist, these are either not applicable to steel construction or are based on an obsolete concept.

International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives

And this isn't an obsolete concept in newer shows, but it's usually suggested in a moderately patronizing/condescending way now, and rarely modeled effortlessly by a lead character who many viewers already identify with.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Or do you consider it as a misleading or as an outdated or obsolete concept?

European Journal of Futures Research

The future of production of textiles and fibrous materials in economically well-developed parts of the World will strongly depend on innovations that add new functionalities and purpose to a rather old and obsolete concept.

Advances in Smart Medical Textiles Treatments and Health Monitoring

Still more remarkable, this new technology is a return to an obsolete one, at least in concept.

The New York Times - Science

Structure was an obsolete word.

The New York Times

It's an obsolete, religious, judgmental word.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an obsolete concept", ensure that the context clearly explains why the concept is no longer valid or relevant. Provide specific examples or comparisons to modern alternatives to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling something as "an obsolete concept" without providing sufficient evidence or reasoning. Failing to justify your claim can weaken your argument and leave your audience unconvinced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obsolete concept" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an idea or notion that is no longer current or valid. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is used to describe ideas ranging from business practices to scientific theories.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an obsolete concept" effectively labels an idea or practice as outdated and no longer relevant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While the phrase isn't extremely common, with Ludwig showing only a handful of examples, it serves a clear purpose in critiquing or dismissing outdated notions. Consider using alternatives like "an outdated idea" or "a bygone notion" to adjust the level of formality or emphasis. When employing this phrase, be sure to provide justification for why the concept is obsolete to strengthen your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an outdated idea

Substitutes "concept" with "idea" and "obsolete" with "outdated", making it slightly less formal.

a bygone notion

Replaces "concept" with "notion" and uses "bygone" to emphasize that the idea belongs to the past.

a superseded principle

Replaces "concept" with "principle" and "obsolete" with "superseded", implying that the idea has been replaced by something newer and better.

a defunct theory

Replaces "concept" with "theory" and "obsolete" with "defunct", indicating that the idea is no longer in use or valid.

a passé approach

Replaces "concept" with "approach" and "obsolete" with "passé", adding a touch of sophistication.

an irrelevant consideration

Replaces "concept" with "consideration" and "obsolete" with "irrelevant", emphasizing the lack of current importance.

a vestigial practice

Replaces "concept" with "practice" and "obsolete" with "vestigial", suggesting that the practice is a remnant of the past with diminished function.

a discarded paradigm

Replaces "concept" with "paradigm" and "obsolete" with "discarded", indicating a more significant shift in thinking.

a legacy belief

Replaces "concept" with "belief" and "obsolete" with "legacy", highlighting the origin of the idea in the past.

a historically invalid notion

Replaces "concept" with "notion", and "obsolete" with "historically invalid", stressing the lack of current or historical validity.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "an obsolete concept"?

You can use alternatives like "an outdated idea", "a bygone notion", or "a superseded principle" depending on the context.

How do you use "an obsolete concept" in a sentence?

When using "an obsolete concept", clearly state what the concept is and why it is no longer valid or applicable. For example: "With the rise of remote work, the traditional 9-to-5 office schedule has become an obsolete concept."

Is it always negative to call something "an obsolete concept"?

While "an obsolete concept" often implies that something is no longer useful or relevant, it is not always negative. Sometimes, recognizing that a concept is obsolete is necessary for progress and innovation. However the negative connotation is the most common meaning of this phrase.

What is the difference between "an obsolete concept" and "an outdated concept"?

The terms "an obsolete concept" and "an outdated concept" are largely interchangeable. "Obsolete" suggests something is completely out of use, while "outdated" suggests it is simply old-fashioned or no longer current. The difference is minor and context-dependent.