outdated technology

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outdated technology" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to technology or equipment that is no longer considered modern or current. You can use this phrase when discussing advancements in technology, comparing old and new equipment, or when discussing the need to update or replace outdated technology in a certain industry or setting. Example: "The company's inability to keep up with the competition can be attributed to their reliance on outdated technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His office was full of outdated technology.

The Guardian - Arts

"But then I decided to update the outdated technology.

The New Yorker

Owning outdated technology makes us feel outdated ourselves.

The New York Times

But much of that material relies on outdated technology, to put it mildly.

The New York Times

Radio signals are outdated technology, nearly as sun-bleached as an old issue of Omni magazine.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Knight said the program's problems were primarily a matter of outdated technology.

The New York Times

May I suggest using Polybius with his torches to illustrate an article about outdated technology?

The New Yorker

By signing off this deal, the Government is tying us into a costly, inflexible and outdated technology".

Independent

Although the country has several power plants, domestic production has been hampered by outdated technology and insufficient investment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was a losing business that relied on "inefficient" and outdated technology, or as JPMorgan called it, "an unprofitable asset".

The New York Times

But soon after the acquisition, the plants became a losing business that relied on "inefficient" and outdated technology.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, avoid ambiguity by clearly defining which specific aspects of the technology are considered "outdated".

Common error

Avoid using "outdated technology" as a blanket term without acknowledging any remaining value or functionality. Some older technologies may still be reliable or cost-effective for specific tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outdated technology" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or subject of a sentence. Ludwig shows it describing something that is no longer current or efficient. For example, "Their expensive branch networks and outdated technology saddle them with far higher costs than those of P2P firms."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Vice

7%

Huffington Post

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outdated technology" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe technology that is no longer current or efficient. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to highlight areas needing modernization or explain inefficiencies. While it's found across various contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media sources. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific examples and avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives like "obsolete technology" or "legacy systems" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obsolete technology

Focuses on the technology being no longer in use or production.

archaic technology

Emphasizes the technology's age and its belonging to a much earlier period.

outmoded technology

Highlights that the technology is no longer fashionable or suitable for current needs.

antiquated technology

Stresses the technology's old age and its potential inefficiency.

legacy systems

Specifically refers to older computer systems still in use, often difficult to update.

old technology

A simpler and more general way to describe technology that is not new.

passé technology

Implies that the technology is out of style and no longer desirable.

superannuated technology

Suggests the technology is retired or too old for effective use.

dated technology

A more subtle way to indicate technology that is not up-to-date.

inefficient technology

Focuses on the lack of productivity and wasted resources associated with the technology.

FAQs

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

You can use "outdated technology" to describe systems or equipment that are no longer efficient or current, such as: "The factory's reliance on "outdated technology" led to decreased productivity."

What are some alternatives to saying "outdated technology"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "obsolete technology", "archaic technology", or "legacy systems".

Is it always negative to use "outdated technology"?

While "outdated technology" often implies inefficiency or inferiority, it's not always negative. Sometimes, older technologies are more reliable or have lower operational costs. However, advancements in technology mean they are less capable compared to newer technologies.

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

"Outdated technology" generally means that the technology is no longer current or efficient, while "obsolete technology" indicates that the technology is no longer in use or production.