completely obsolete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely obsolete" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is no longer in use or relevant. Example: "The first generation of cell phones, with their large antennas and limited capabilities, is now completely obsolete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Not that they are completely obsolete.

The New York Times

"For this type of thing, books are completely obsolete," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

The system of monetary exchange is — in the face of advancing technology — completely obsolete".

The New York Times

"Lieber's an absolutely incredible physician in a way that's now completely obsolete in the field of medicine," Krieger continued.

The New Yorker

Nonetheless, the audience — and I include myself — is clinging to clichés of its own, based on completely obsolete cultural artifacts, like pre-World War II Hawaii.

The New York Times

Q. Do you believe that there are any reliably bankable actors left in Hollywood, or has the star system model become completely obsolete in this day and age?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Their prized, and still extremely well-specced RED Ones have just been completely obsoleted.

TechCrunch

40 years of research have completely obsoleted the reactors used in Japan and elsewhere in the world (the great majority of reactors were built between 20 and 40 years ago on similar principles).

TechCrunch

With the release of the 10.2-inch netbook, the current crop of 10.1-inch netbooks will be completely and entirely obsolete.

TechCrunch

Commander's Intent fully recognizes the chaos, lack of a complete information picture, changes in enemy situation, and other relevant factors that may make a plan either completely or partially obsolete when it is executed.

Harvard Business Review

The question over what to do about the expiring tax cuts would be swept aside if the parties could reach an agreement before then to overhaul the tax code completely — and render obsolete the current structure of six income tax rates, all of which would rise on Jan . 1

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technological advancements, use "completely obsolete" to emphasize the rapid pace at which older systems become irrelevant.

Common error

While acceptable, "completely obsolete" can sound less professional in certain formal contexts. Opt for alternatives like "superseded" or "outdated" to maintain a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely obsolete" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is no longer in use or relevant. Ludwig confirms the correct usage and grammatical structure of this phrase. It serves to strongly emphasize the state of being outdated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely obsolete" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes something no longer useful or relevant, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is commonly found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and encyclopedic sources. While its formality is generally neutral, using alternatives in formal contexts may be preferable. The phrase emphasizes the state of being outdated and is used to declare the irrelevance of an item or concept. Consider alternatives like "entirely outdated" or "utterly defunct" for variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely outdated

Emphasizes the aspect of being old and no longer current.

utterly defunct

Highlights the cessation of operation or existence.

wholly superseded

Focuses on replacement by something newer or better.

totally antiquated

Stresses the old-fashioned and outmoded nature.

fully outmoded

Similar to outdated, but with a stronger sense of being unusable.

absolutely passé

Implies something is no longer fashionable or accepted.

irrelevant

Indicates a lack of connection to the current situation.

out of date

A more general term for not being current.

no longer applicable

Highlights that something is not suitable or relevant for current use.

bygone

Refers to something that belongs to an earlier time.

FAQs

How can I use "completely obsolete" in a sentence?

You can use "completely obsolete" to describe something that is no longer used because it has been replaced by something newer and better. For example, "Typewriters are now "completely obsolete" because of computers".

What can I say instead of "completely obsolete"?

You can use alternatives like "entirely outdated", "utterly defunct", or "wholly superseded" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something is "completely obsolete"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to emphasize that something is no longer in use or relevant.

What makes something "completely obsolete"?

Something becomes "completely obsolete" when a newer invention or practice makes the old one no longer necessary or useful. Technological advancements often lead to certain items becoming "completely obsolete".