outmoded

USAGE SUMMARY

Outmoded is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means no longer fashionable or current, outdated or antiquated. Example: The traditional practice of arranged marriages may be considered outmoded in many modern societies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The relevant authorities claim that space is inevitably limited, and outmoded guide books and old railway timetables can be safely thrown away – though what is binned usually goes much further.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The rewards and punishments model shown in the report is an outmoded approach and there's nothing in there about properly dealing with the obvious issues of distress and breakdown in detention," she said.

The Guardian

"I'm not defending it – it's wrong and outmoded," he said.

The Guardian - Film

At a time when museums dedicated to preserving local history were at risk of being seen as outmoded and irrelevant, Crossley said the festival helped themreassert their own importance.

The Guardian

It's not a good thing to find oneself living by an outmoded code of conduct.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His figures don't only wear clothes from another age – frock coats, hats and canes, full skirts – but the way they are drawn seems outmoded, too.

The Guardian - Arts

The author's distant support for Vichy in the first three years of the war still enrages both Gaullists and the left, who consider Saint-Exupéry little more than a outmoded sentimental reactionary.

The Guardian - Books

Given a history in which invidious distinctions were used as instruments of oppression, it is natural to ask whether an exhibition defined by race just perpetuates an outmoded way of thinking.

The Economist

It features outmoded things such as editorials and paid reporters.

The Economist

The Sedition Act, dating from 1948, is so outmoded that the government itself promised in 2012 to remove it from the statute book.

The Economist

However, Eureka 147 is rooted in an outmoded compression technology.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing systems or practices, use "outmoded" to indicate they are no longer effective or relevant. For example, "The company's "outmoded" accounting system needs updating."

Common error

Don't use "outmoded" to describe something that is simply old. "Outmoded" implies that something is no longer useful or effective due to being outdated, not just that it is old.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "outmoded" is as an adjective. It typically modifies nouns, describing them as being no longer fashionable or current. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples where "outmoded" describes various nouns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outmoded" functions as an adjective used to describe something as no longer fashionable, current, or effective. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts. It commonly appears in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. To avoid misuse, reserve "outmoded" for things genuinely past their prime, not simply of advanced age. Alternative terms include "obsolete", "old-fashioned", and "antiquated", offering nuanced substitutes based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obsolete

Indicates something is no longer produced or used.

out of date

A more general way of saying something is no longer current.

antiquated

Suggests something is very old and no longer suitable for modern use.

old-fashioned

Emphasizes a style or custom belonging to a past era.

archaic

Suggests something is very old and no longer in common use.

dated

Simply indicates something is from a past time.

passé

Implies something was once fashionable but is now out of style.

behind the times

Indicates a lack of awareness of current trends.

superannuated

Implies something is retired due to age or obsolescence.

extinct

Signifies something that no longer exists or is in use.

FAQs

How to use "outmoded" in a sentence?

You can use "outmoded" to describe something that is no longer fashionable, current, or effective. For example, "The rewards and punishments model shown in the report is an "outmoded" approach."

What can I say instead of "outmoded"?

You can use alternatives like "obsolete", "old fashioned", or "antiquated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "outmoded" or "outdated"?

Both "outmoded" and "outdated" are correct, but "outmoded" implies a stronger sense of being not just old but also no longer suitable or effective.

What's the difference between "outmoded" and "archaic"?

"Outmoded" suggests something is no longer current or useful, while "archaic" implies something is very old and no longer in common use.