it was obsolete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was obsolete" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is no longer in use or has been replaced by something newer or more effective. Example: "The old software system was so outdated that it was obsolete, making it difficult for employees to complete their tasks efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Until the end of the 19th century the municipality of Givors held that the canal was essential to development of the town, and that barge traffic was still a viable industry, fighting against closure of the canal and demanding that it remain navigable for its entire length despite mounting evidence that it was obsolete.

Wikipedia

It was obsolete long before imperial times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Within a month it was obsolete.

The New York Times - Arts

Before taking office he claimed it was obsolete.

The Guardian

Thanks to railroads, it was obsolete almost immediately.

The New York Times

He paid $100 for it last year, he said, and within months it was obsolete.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It's obsolete.

The New Yorker

Some say it is obsolete.

The New York Times

"It's obsolete," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Will it be obsolete in 10 years?

The Guardian - Tech

First of all, it's obsolete.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was obsolete", ensure the context clearly indicates what made it obsolete and what replaced it, if applicable. This adds clarity and provides a complete picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it was obsolete" hyperbolically. Ensure that the subject truly is no longer in use or relevant, rather than simply being old or less efficient. Overstating can weaken your argument or make your writing seem less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was obsolete" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that something is no longer in use or relevant due to being outdated or superseded, in line with Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

14%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was obsolete" is used to clearly state that something is no longer current or functional. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and appears across diverse contexts including news media, encyclopedias, and academic writings. When using this phrase, ensure you provide clear context as to what caused the obsolescence. Alternatives such as "it was outdated" or "it was no longer relevant" can also be considered depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it became outdated

Focuses on the process of becoming no longer current or useful.

it was no longer in use

Emphasizes the cessation of use, highlighting that the subject is not currently utilized.

it had become outmoded

Indicates something was once modern but is no longer so.

it was superseded

Focuses on replacement by something newer or more effective.

it was a thing of the past

Highlights that something belongs to a previous era or time.

it was antiquated

Emphasizes the old-fashioned nature of something.

it was past its prime

Indicates something was once at its best but is no longer in that state.

it was no longer relevant

Focuses on the lack of current importance or applicability.

it had become defunct

Implies a loss of function or operation.

it was a relic

Suggests something is an artifact from the past, often preserved for historical value.

FAQs

How can I use "it was obsolete" in a sentence?

You can use "it was obsolete" to describe something that is no longer in use or has been replaced by something newer. For example, "The technology was so outdated that "it was obsolete", making it difficult to maintain the system".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was obsolete"?

You can use alternatives like "it was outdated", "it was no longer relevant", or "it was antiquated" depending on the context.

What does it mean when something is described as "obsolete"?

When something is described as "obsolete", it means it is no longer produced or used; out of date. It has been superseded by something newer or better.

Is it redundant to say "completely obsolete"?

While "obsolete" already implies something is no longer in use, "completely obsolete" can be used for emphasis to stress the total lack of relevance or use.