an obsolete technology

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obsolete technology" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a technology that is no longer in use or has been replaced by more advanced alternatives. Example: "With the rapid advancement of digital communication, fax machines are now considered an obsolete technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It is not just incidental that the Polaroid photograph is the product of an obsolete technology, an artifact of the waning age of analog.

The New York Times - Arts

Mosse used Aerochrome, an obsolete technology, to create an alternative image of the complex social and political dynamics of the country.

The New Yorker

Meat farming is, say its critics, an obsolete technology that produces a nutrient-dense food in just about the most inefficient (and cruel) way imaginable.

The Guardian

Unwired A dogfight no one can win As important as Darwin Correction: America's sex laws Reprints Related items America loses its landlines: Cutting the cordAug 13th 2009But copper landlines are now an obsolete technology.

The Economist

I did andit still looks great 10 years later.Using paint to protect externalwood is an obsolete technology.PETER PATTENMelville, N.Y.

The New York Times

Holm's approach focuses as much on artefacts of the present as the past and his installation brings a sense of mystery to an obsolete technology.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Mr. Jacobs has pointedly subtitled his work "The Lost World," acknowledging both the character of its content — images of a vanished culture — and its relationship to a nearly obsolete technology.

The New York Times

Second, over-the-air broadcasts are becoming a nearly obsolete technology.

The New York Times

When Waze started it ran off PDAs, a now obsolete technology.

The Guardian

Writers' lives are notoriously difficult to dramatize in a visual medium, even when the act of writing itself is conducted by means of a charmingly obsolete technology, like Goethe's furiously scratching pens or Thompson's clattery typewriter.

The New York Times

This was another example of the government trying to have it both ways: it was claiming that it could both apply a case involving obsolete technology in ways that ran past the imagination of the nineteen-seventies Court, and, at the same time, insist that the Justices curtail their imagination of how broadly it might be applied in the future.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "an obsolete technology", provide context about why it became obsolete and what replaced it. This adds depth to your writing and helps readers understand the evolution of technology.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something labeled as "an obsolete technology" has no value or use whatsoever. Sometimes, these technologies still serve niche purposes, have historical significance, or are being repurposed in innovative ways.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obsolete technology" functions as a noun phrase, where "obsolete" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "technology". It describes a specific type of technology that is no longer in general use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an obsolete technology" is a noun phrase used to describe a technology that is no longer widely used due to being outdated or replaced by newer alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While the phrase itself is neutral, context is key; ensure you're clear about why the technology is considered obsolete and avoid assuming it has no value whatsoever. You can also use alternative phrases like "a superseded technology" or "a defunct technology" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a superseded technology

Emphasizes the act of being replaced by something newer.

a outdated technical solution

Highlights the technical nature and being past its prime.

a defunct technology

Focuses on the technology no longer being functional or in use.

a legacy system

Refers to older systems still in use but nearing replacement.

a superannuated innovation

Highlights the age and obsolescence of a formerly new idea.

a bygone tech

Uses a more informal term to indicate that the technology belongs to the past.

a outmoded methodology

The focus is not about a technology but about a method that is no longer fashionable.

a retired instrument

Highlights the end of working life and focuses on the instruments and the process that brings them to obsolescence

a passé technological innovation

Uses a French term to highlight how innovation no longer enjoys popularity

a worn method

Focus is more related to the deterioration of a method that made it obsolescent.

FAQs

What are some examples of "an obsolete technology"?

Examples of "an obsolete technology" include floppy disks, VHS tapes, and dial-up modems. These technologies have been largely replaced by newer, more efficient alternatives.

How do I use the phrase "an obsolete technology" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase "an obsolete technology" to describe something that is no longer in use or has been replaced by a newer innovation. For instance, "The museum displayed "an obsolete technology" from the early days of computing."

What's the difference between "an obsolete technology" and "an emerging technology"?

"An obsolete technology" refers to a technology that is no longer widely used or has been replaced, while "an emerging technology" is a new technology that is still under development or gaining popularity.

Are there positive aspects of using "an obsolete technology"?

Sometimes, using "an obsolete technology" can offer unique artistic effects, provide a connection to the past, or serve specific niche applications where newer technologies are not suitable or available.