obsolete technology

USAGE SUMMARY

"obsolete technology" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to technology that has become outdated or is no longer in use. For example, "By upgrading to the newest operating system, I was able to finally get rid of the obsolete technology that had been running on my computer for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Though Brazil did industrialise, it churned out mainly expensive, shoddy goods based on obsolete technology.

The Economist

Second, over-the-air broadcasts are becoming a nearly obsolete technology.

The New York Times

When Waze started it ran off PDAs, a now obsolete technology.

The Guardian

The biggest drawback with embedded navigation systems is that they are invariably shackled to obsolete technology.

The Economist

But the long-term outlook remains strong, as emerging markets continue to expand and as obsolete technology continues to crumble.

The New York Times

Let he who is without grave sartorial misjudgment cast the first piece of obsolete technology to hand, I guess.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Did any of those products replace older or obsolete technologies?

The New York Times

Meanwhile, some experts reckon contactless cards might eventually go the way of Betamax and other obsolete technologies, as mobile phones and wearable technology take over.

The Guardian - Money

The first "season" runs the gamut from the young digital artist Cory Arcangel making unexpected connections between computers and harpsichords (both involve obsolete technologies) to the Indian printmaking doyenne Zarina Hashmi discovering carved Arabic calligraphy.

The New Yorker

From the death rattle of companies like Kodak to the popularity of apps like Instagram that transform cellphone snaps into vintage-looking works of art, amateur film photography seems destined for the graveyard of obsolete technologies.

The New York Times

But most of the audience will probably also have trouble making sense of J's bizarre monologues, as well as his ritualistic creation of a sculpture made from obsolete technologies, from an abacus to a record player.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing technology upgrades, explicitly name the "obsolete technology" being replaced to add clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "obsolete technology" when you actually mean "vintage technology". Vintage technology, while old, is often appreciated for its historical or aesthetic value, while "obsolete technology" is simply outdated and no longer practical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obsolete technology" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "obsolete" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "technology". It describes a specific type of technology that is outdated or no longer in use. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obsolete technology" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe technology that is outdated or no longer in use. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, be mindful of its distinction from "vintage technology" and explicitly name the "obsolete technology" when possible for clarity. Consider alternatives such as "outdated technology" or "legacy technology" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outdated technology

Replaces "obsolete" with "outdated", emphasizing the technology is no longer current.

antiquated technology

Substitutes "obsolete" with "antiquated", suggesting the technology is old and no longer efficient.

legacy technology

Uses "legacy" to highlight the technology's past use, implying it has been superseded.

defunct technology

Replaces "obsolete" with "defunct", indicating the technology is no longer functioning or in use.

discontinued technology

Emphasizes the technology is no longer produced or supported.

superannuated technology

A more formal way of saying outdated technology.

old technology

Simplifies the phrase, using "old" as a direct replacement for "obsolete".

outmoded technology

Similar to "outdated", but may imply a more stylistic obsolescence.

passé technology

Uses a French term to indicate the technology is no longer fashionable or current.

archaic technology

Suggests the technology belongs to a much earlier period and is no longer relevant.

FAQs

How to use "obsolete technology" in a sentence?

You can use "obsolete technology" to describe devices or systems that are no longer in common use or have been replaced by newer versions. For example, "The museum displayed a collection of "obsolete technology", including rotary phones and cassette players."

What can I say instead of "obsolete technology"?

You can use alternatives like "outdated technology", "legacy technology", or "antiquated technology" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Obsolete technology" refers to technology that is no longer in use or considered up-to-date due to advancements. "Vintage technology", on the other hand, is old technology that is often collected or appreciated for its historical or aesthetic value. While all vintage technology might be obsolete, not all "obsolete technology" is considered vintage.

Is it appropriate to call something "obsolete technology" if it still works?

Yes, even if a technology still functions, it can be considered "obsolete technology" if it is no longer the standard or preferred method due to inefficiency, lack of support, or the availability of superior alternatives. The term refers more to its status relative to current technology than to its functionality.