legacy technology

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legacy technology" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to outdated or older technology that is still in use, often because it is deeply integrated into existing systems. Example: "Many companies struggle to maintain their legacy technology while trying to adopt newer, more efficient solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With no legacy technology weighing them down, their platforms are ultra-fast.

The Economist

A technology company selling prior-generation, or "legacy," technology has some challenges because in these times the first place people will look to cut back is on legacy technology.

The New York Times

But he submits that Estonia's success is not so much about ditching legacy technology as it is about shedding "legacy thinking".

The Economist

"It's really hard to describe the vast difference between the things we're moving toward and the types of legacy technology I've been working on.

Harvard Business Review

If AT&T succeeds, it will provide a blueprint for how legacy technology companies can compete against younger, digitally native firms such as Google and Amazon.

Harvard Business Review

Instead organizations will opt to remain on legacy technology, which still have hidden risks but without the explicit assertions of liability within a BAA.

University of California, Berkeley

"The cost-effectiveness seems to have hit a sweet spot at about 28nm," says Dr Samueli.There is a lot to be said for sticking with legacy technology like 28nm.

The Economist

Legacy technology is one culprit.

TechCrunch

DRM servers are already a legacy technology.

TechCrunch

Carpizo: The age of legacy technology is critical.

Forbes

HD: One is the effect on their legacy technology.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing modernization efforts, use "legacy technology" to clearly indicate the systems being replaced or upgraded. This provides context for the improvements being made.

Common error

Avoid using "legacy technology" when referring to the newest innovations. "Legacy technology" specifically denotes outdated or older systems that are still in use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legacy technology" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to existing computer systems or applications that are outdated but still in use. Ludwig provides examples of its use in contexts such as modernizing systems or discussing challenges in business.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Formal & Business

29%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legacy technology" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to outdated but still-functioning systems. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its purpose is to identify and categorize older technologies, frequently in discussions about modernization or business challenges. The term appears most often in news and business contexts, reflecting its relevance in these domains. While alternatives exist, such as ""outdated technology"", the phrase "legacy technology" provides a specific and widely understood way to describe these systems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outdated technology

Focuses on the dated aspect of the technology.

aging technology

Emphasizes the increasing age and potential obsolescence.

old technology

A simple and direct way to describe the technology's age.

prior-generation technology

Highlights that the technology belongs to a previous generation.

obsolete technology

Indicates the technology is no longer in widespread use or production.

heritage technology

Implies that the technology has historical or cultural significance.

past technology

Suggests technology is from a time gone by

previous technology

Emphasizes that the technology has been superseded by newer options.

established technology

Focuses on how long the technology has been in use, rather than it being newer or innovative.

long-standing technology

Highlights the enduring presence and history of the technology.

FAQs

How can I use "legacy technology" in a sentence?

You can use "legacy technology" to describe outdated systems that are still in use, such as: "The company is struggling to update its "legacy technology" to meet modern security standards".

What is a good alternative to "legacy technology"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "outdated technology", "aging technology", or "established technology".

What does it mean when a system is described as "legacy technology"?

When a system is described as "legacy technology", it means that it is an older system that is still in use, often because it is critical to existing operations or too costly to replace immediately.

How does "legacy technology" affect modern business?

"Legacy technology" can hinder innovation and efficiency due to its limitations and compatibility issues. However, it also represents a substantial investment that requires careful planning for upgrades and replacements.