obsolete concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obsolete concept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea or notion that is no longer relevant or has fallen out of use. Example: "The notion of a flat Earth is an obsolete concept in modern science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It's an obsolete concept.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Part time is an obsolete concept," he said.

The New York Times

With modern communication and travel available to more people around the world, one could argue that the requirement of taking the World Cup to "new lands" is an obsolete concept.

The New York Times

Or do you consider it as a misleading or as an outdated or obsolete concept?

European Journal of Futures Research

Therefore, the Europeanization process would replace solidarity with sovereignty and sovereignty as an obsolete concept would not hinder the gradually emerging supranational European political community.

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

While various guidelines for adhesive bonds exist, these are either not applicable to steel construction or are based on an obsolete concept.

International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In spite of this, conventional Force Fields use the obsolete physical concept of point-monopoles (net atomic charges) and thus, are not able to represent the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) accurately or are even wrong for atoms that have positively and negatively charged areas on their surface [1].

Journal of Cheminformatics

Matthew Bate's "Shut Up Little Man!" is a dandy little documentary whether you view the story it captures as a precursor to the flash fame of the Internet age or as one of the last genuine underground phenomena before the Internet made that whole concept obsolete.

The New York Times

But in the meantime, the Levine museum reflects the mixture of the traditional and the iconoclastic, the combination of a weighty past and an ever-shifting present, that characterize the idea of the New South and may even, one day, make that concept obsolete.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet when it comes to nations like China, Russia, or Iran, Washington takes the position that spheres of influence are obsolete and a concept that should no longer be applicable to the practice of statecraft.

Huffington Post

Democrats think that banning lifetime caps, ending rescission, and banning pre-existing conditions are three giant steps towards making terms such as 'uninsurable' and 'medical bankruptcy' as obsolete as the concept of phrenology.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "obsolete concept", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the concept is no longer valid or applicable. Providing specific reasons or examples can strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid labeling ideas as "obsolete concept" without sufficient justification. Ensure that there is concrete evidence or logical reasoning to support the claim that the concept is truly outdated and no longer relevant. Overusing the phrase without proper backing can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obsolete concept" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "obsolete" modifies the noun "concept". It serves to categorize a specific idea or notion as being outdated or no longer in use. Ludwig AI supports this by showing examples from news, media, and science domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obsolete concept" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable expression signifying that an idea or notion is outdated and no longer valid. According to Ludwig AI, which confirms its correctness, it is most commonly used in news and media and scientific contexts. While not extremely frequent, its usage is consistent and clear. When employing this phrase, ensure the context provides sufficient rationale for why the concept is considered obsolete, and avoid overuse without proper justification. Related terms include "outdated notion" and "antiquated idea".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outdated notion

Focuses on the idea being no longer current or fashionable.

antiquated idea

Emphasizes the age and irrelevance of the idea.

archaic belief

Highlights the old and often impractical nature of the belief.

outmoded practice

Specifically refers to a practice that is no longer in general use.

defunct theory

Indicates that the theory is no longer accepted or valid.

superseded paradigm

Implies that a new paradigm has replaced the old one.

bygone principle

Suggests the principle belongs to a past era and is no longer applicable.

passé concept

Uses a French term to convey that the concept is no longer stylish or relevant.

anachronistic thought

Describes the thought as being out of place in the current time.

old-fashioned idea

Simply states that the idea is from an earlier time and may not be suitable now.

FAQs

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

You can use "obsolete concept" to describe ideas or notions that are no longer relevant or applicable in a certain context. For example: "The idea of sending physical letters is becoming an "obsolete concept" due to the prevalence of email".

What are some alternatives to "obsolete concept"?

Alternatives to "obsolete concept" include "outdated notion", "antiquated idea", or "archaic belief". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "obsolete concept"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "obsolete concept" when you want to emphasize that an idea or practice is no longer useful or relevant due to advancements, changes in societal norms, or other factors. Be sure to provide context to justify why it's considered obsolete.

What's the difference between "obsolete concept" and "outdated concept"?

"Obsolete concept" implies that the concept is completely out of use and no longer applicable, while "outdated concept" suggests that it is simply not current or fashionable but might still have some limited relevance.