obsolescent technology

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obsolescent technology" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe technology that is becoming outdated or is in the process of becoming obsolete. Example: "Many companies are struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of innovation, leading to a reliance on obsolescent technology that hampers their growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"A second-hand Gorizont is completely obsolescent technology operating in bands designed for Russia.

The New York Times

Cash is an obsolescent technology, the last financial refuge of criminals and the very poor.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Techies have been fleeing AT&T because they don't want to be attached to obsolescent technologies.

Forbes

Thornberry's deployment of the Spitfire as an analogy for obsolescent military technology attracted particular scorn.

The Guardian - Opinion

This early jukebox should remind us that all eras are steampunk in the sense that they contain within them, simultaneously, nascent and obsolescent forms of technology.

The Guardian - Music

Mammoth defense spending bills bloated with both new military technology and obsolescent weaponry are being rushed to breakneck approval this week as the administration exploits Congress's weakness for leaving no defense contractor unrewarded.

The New York Times

The technology he uses may be obsolescent, but the play is remarkably prescient in its understanding of how, in the modern world, identity is refracted by ever-proliferating forms of mechanical reproduction.

The New York Times

With advances in mobile phone technology PDAs are becoming increasingly obsolescent.

BMC Psychiatry

It's bad enough that readily available encryption technology and fiber-optic cables often make N.S.A. techniques of interception obsolescent.

The New York Times

Perhaps, like those photographers who have grown bored with digital technology and work only in daguerreotypes, Murdoch is part of an "antiquarian avant-garde", destined to rescue the obsolescent format of the LP.

The Guardian - Music

Noting the recent popularity of real-life interactions in galleries, the huge rise in performance art and the high esteem given to obsolescent media like film and slide projectors, she concluded that the art world generally responds to the upheavals of digital technology by disavowing that they are taking place.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing future trends, use "obsolescent technology" to highlight the need for innovation and upgrades.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the immediate impact of "obsolescent technology"; instead, focus on the gradual decline in efficiency or relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obsolescent technology" functions as a noun phrase, where 'obsolescent' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'technology'. It describes a specific type of technology that is in the process of becoming outdated. Ludwig confirms this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obsolescent technology" refers to technology that is in the process of becoming outdated. It's grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase, where 'obsolescent' modifies 'technology'. While not a highly frequent term, Ludwig confirms it’s used in neutral contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedia sources, as evidenced by the provided examples. Alternatives include "outdated technology" or "aging technology", depending on the desired nuance. Understanding and identifying "obsolescent technology" helps in making informed decisions about upgrades and innovation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Obsolete technology

A synonym that stresses the technology is out of date.

Outdated technology

Focuses on the state of being no longer current or up-to-date.

Aging technology

Emphasizes the process of becoming old and less effective.

Outmoded technology

Emphasizes that the technology is no longer in style or fashionable.

Legacy technology

Highlights technology that is still in use but nearing the end of its lifecycle.

Superseded technology

Focuses on replacement of old tech with newer technology.

Superannuated technology

A more formal way to describe technology that is outdated due to age.

Old-fashioned technology

Highlights how the technology is something of the past.

Defunct technology

Indicates technology that is no longer functioning or in use.

Discontinued technology

Focuses on the fact that the technology is no longer being produced or supported.

FAQs

How to use "obsolescent technology" in a sentence?

You can use "obsolescent technology" to describe systems or devices that are becoming outdated. For example, "The company's reliance on "outdated technology" hindered its ability to compete in the market".

What's the difference between "obsolescent technology" and "obsolete technology"?

"Obsolescent technology" is in the process of becoming obsolete, while "obsolete technology" is already out of date and no longer in use. "Obsolescent" suggests a gradual decline, whereas "obsolete" indicates a completed state.

What can I say instead of "obsolescent technology"?

Alternatives include "outdated technology", "aging technology", or "legacy technology". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "obsolescent technology"?

Use "obsolescent technology" when you want to emphasize that a technology is gradually becoming outdated but may still be in use. It's suitable for discussing the transition from old to new systems.