obsolete thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

"obsolete thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
It describes beliefs, ideas, or opinions that are outdated or no longer relevant. For example, "The organization needs to move away from obsolete thinking and adopt new strategies for success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"The new breed of landlord understands that to wait for the return of the large corporations of the 1980's is obsolete thinking".

The New York Times

The second is that money spent on transportation is too often squandered on megaprojects that have great ribbon-cutting moments but don't "fix" traffic because they are based on myth and obsolete thinking.

Harvard Business Review

7) Does the book break free from the obsolete thinking of the Traditional Economy?

Forbes

In 2013 we can hope that a new President and Congress will finally consign the obsolete thinking that’s exemplified by the infrastructure bank and the government’s assault on the AT&T/T-Mobile merger to the dustbin of history.

Forbes

It is for precisely this reason that I believe too much common management wisdom is not wise at all, but instead flawed knowledge based on a misunderstanding or misapplication of "best practices" that often constitutes poor, incomplete or outright obsolete thinking.

Forbes

Terrorists are not an army, and this obsolete thinking reveals the babyish panic behind the macho stance.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Centrist" believers usually see themselves as the vanguard of a new idea, locked in combat against aging progressives who cling to obsolete modes of thinking.

Huffington Post

I remember thinking how obsolete that first CD set made my Funk & Wagnall's encyclopedia — and yet, 15 years later, Encarta is going to a better place and I still have the Funk & Wagnall's, which combined with Wikipedia encompasses the whole of human knowledge.

TechCrunch

At the same time, technological advances make existing systems obsolete while current consensus supports thinking in terms of sustainability, not just solving the problem now, but addressing longer time frames to make buildings and infrastructure adaptable, ecologically sensitive, and resilient to natural disasters, the effects of climate change, and even acts of terrorism.

Columbia University

The way of thinking that is obsolete is not just the way under George W. Bush, though it is most profoundly expressed in the Neo-Con movement and the seemingly irresistible urge to attack and vilify, demonize and view the world with disdain.

Huffington Post

Most of the major studios had either lost or destroyed cans of silent films to make way for sound, thinking that it was history and so obsolete.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing strategy or innovation, highlight the need to move beyond "obsolete thinking" to embrace new ideas and methodologies.

Common error

While "obsolete thinking" is generally acceptable, it can sound overly formal or critical in casual conversation. Consider more approachable alternatives like "outdated ideas" or "old ways" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obsolete thinking" functions as a noun phrase, where "obsolete" modifies the noun "thinking". It describes a specific type of thinking that is outdated or no longer applicable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obsolete thinking" is a phrase used to describe outdated or irrelevant ideas and strategies. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable. It's commonly found in news, business, and academic contexts, serving to criticize or dismiss ineffective approaches and promote innovation. While grammatically sound and frequently used, consider the formality of your setting and the audience when choosing to use it. Alternatives like "outdated thinking" or "stale thinking" may be suitable in more informal situations. Recognizing and moving beyond "obsolete thinking" is vital for progress in various fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defunct thinking

Replaces "obsolete" with "defunct", emphasizing that the thinking is no longer in use or effective.

antiquated thinking

Substitutes "obsolete" with "antiquated", suggesting the thinking is old-fashioned and outdated.

outdated thinking

Replaces "obsolete" with "outdated", directly indicating the thinking is no longer current.

stale thinking

Uses "stale" instead of "obsolete", implying the thinking has lost its freshness and relevance.

outmoded thinking

Employs "outmoded" in place of "obsolete", suggesting the thinking is no longer fashionable or practical.

archaic thinking

Replaces "obsolete" with "archaic", emphasizing that the thinking belongs to a much earlier period.

old fashioned thinking

Substitutes "obsolete" with "old fashioned", suggesting the thinking is no longer aligned with modern standards.

anachronistic thinking

Replaces "obsolete" with "anachronistic", emphasizing that the thinking is misplaced in the current time.

superfluous thinking

Uses "superfluous" to suggest the thinking is unnecessary or excessive, differing slightly from obsolete.

old thinking

A simpler substitute that replaces "obsolete" with "old", indicating the thinking is not new or current.

FAQs

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

You can use "obsolete thinking" to describe ideas, strategies, or practices that are no longer effective or relevant in a particular context. For example, "The company's reliance on obsolete thinking hindered its ability to adapt to the changing market."

What are some alternatives to "obsolete thinking"?

Some alternatives to "obsolete thinking" include "outdated thinking", "antiquated thinking", and "stale thinking". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "obsolete thinking" and "traditional thinking"?

"Obsolete thinking" implies that an idea or method is no longer useful or effective, while "traditional thinking" simply refers to established or long-standing beliefs. Traditional thinking may or may not be obsolete.

Is "obsolete thinking" always negative?

Yes, "obsolete thinking" typically has a negative connotation, as it suggests that the ideas or approaches being described are outdated and detrimental to progress or success. It is usually used to highlight the need for change and innovation.