is outdated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is outdated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something as obsolete or no longer valid. For example: "The policy of using paper records for patient information is outdated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This view is outdated.

Independent

"Their model is outdated.

The New York Times

Our system is outdated".

The Guardian

Their information is outdated.

The Guardian

That view is outdated.

The Guardian - Music

Today it is outdated.

The New York Times

Chapter 3: Perfectionism is Outdated.

University of California, Berkeley

ABC would say that question is outdated.

The New York Times

But now even that is outdated.

The New York Times

Alas, this excerpt is outdated.

The New York Times

Do you think Mother's Day is outdated?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is outdated", specify what makes it so. Providing context strengthens your argument and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "That technology is outdated", specify "That technology is outdated because it can't handle the current data volumes".

Common error

Avoid claiming something "is outdated" without clear evidence or justification. Ensure your statement is supported by facts and a concrete understanding of the subject. For example, stating "Books are outdated" is overly broad; instead, specify "Printed encyclopedias are outdated due to the accessibility of online information" to be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is outdated" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as being obsolete, old-fashioned, or no longer current. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. The examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is outdated" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe something as obsolete or no longer current. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and business settings. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide specific reasons for obsolescence to avoid ambiguity. While many alternatives exist, such as "is obsolete" or "is antiquated", the best choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey. Ultimately, understanding the context is critical to effectively communicating that something is no longer up-to-date.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is obsolete

Direct synonym, implying something is no longer in use.

is no longer relevant

Focuses on the lack of current importance or applicability.

is outmoded

Similar to obsolete, but can also suggest something is unfashionable.

is antiquated

Suggests something is old and no longer suitable for modern use.

is passé

Implies something is no longer fashionable or current.

has seen its day

Suggests something has had its period of usefulness or popularity.

is a thing of the past

Figurative expression indicating something belongs to a previous era.

is yesterday's news

Implies something is no longer interesting or important.

is behind the times

Indicates a failure to keep up with current trends or developments.

is superannuated

Suggests something has been retired or is too old for its function.

FAQs

How can I use "is outdated" in a sentence?

You can use "is outdated" to describe something that is no longer current, effective, or fashionable. For example, "The company's technology infrastructure "is outdated" and needs upgrading".

What are some alternatives to "is outdated"?

Alternatives to "is outdated" include "is obsolete", "is antiquated", "is outmoded", and "is no longer relevant". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "is outdated" or "is obsolete"?

"Is outdated" and "is obsolete" are similar, but "is obsolete" often implies something is completely out of use, while "is outdated" suggests it's still in use but less effective or current. The choice depends on the degree of obsolescence you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone says a concept "is outdated"?

When someone says a concept "is outdated", they mean it no longer applies or is no longer effective in the current context. This suggests that new ideas or methods have superseded the old one.