rendered obsolete by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rendered obsolete by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has become outdated or no longer useful due to the influence or introduction of something else. Example: "The traditional methods of communication have been rendered obsolete by the rise of digital technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why invest in expensive technology that might be rendered obsolete by future regulatory action?

The Economist

Ms Rey reckons the trilemma itself has been rendered obsolete by financial globalisation.

The Economist

As an issue it has been rendered obsolete by biotech, cloning, the human genome.

The Guardian

Like Chekhov's orchard, it had been rendered obsolete by a fast-changing world.

The Guardian

Initially the format did very well, but was soon rendered obsolete by the rise of the internet and the MP3.

Independent

Eventually, copy prints were replaced by photographic transparencies, which would themselves be rendered obsolete by the advent of digital technology.

The Guardian - Arts

One of the political-science clichés that hasn't been rendered obsolete by this election is that of the Overton window.

The New Yorker

It is time to change that plan, which was based on bad science and has now been rendered obsolete by new regulations from the U.S.D.A.

The New York Times

Signed Next Issue talk story about future prisons... First, it was offices that were going to be rendered obsolete by technology (remember telecommuting?).

The New Yorker

They are also rendered obsolete by newer, niftier kit; for all its might, the Tevatron pales in comparison to the LHC.

The Economist

Slavery could be eliminated via a wartime measure because the earlier "state rights" to its protection had been rendered obsolete by virtue of secession and war.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rendered obsolete by" to clearly indicate that something has been replaced by a newer or more advanced alternative. For example, "The technology was "rendered obsolete by" advancements in artificial intelligence."

Common error

Avoid using "rendered obsolete by" when the agent causing the obsolescence is unclear. Always specify what is causing the item to become obsolete. For instance, instead of saying "The software was "rendered obsolete by"," specify "The software was "rendered obsolete by" the new operating system."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rendered obsolete by" functions as a passive construction followed by a prepositional phrase. It indicates that a subject has been made outdated or no longer useful as a result of something else. As noted by Ludwig, this is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rendered obsolete by" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe something that has become outdated due to new developments. As verified by Ludwig, it's commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki, and is suitable for neutral to formal registers. When using this phrase, ensure the agent of obsolescence is clearly stated. Alternatives like "made obsolete by" or "superseded by" can be used for similar meanings. Remember that clarity is key, as the examples from Ludwig's AI demonstrate in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made obsolete by

Direct synonym, replacing "rendered" with "made" for simplicity.

superseded by

Indicates replacement by something newer or more effective.

outdated by

Focuses on the aspect of becoming old-fashioned or irrelevant.

replaced by

Emphasizes the action of one thing taking the place of another.

displaced by

Suggests that something has been pushed out of its position by something else.

supplanted by

A more formal term indicating replacement, often by something considered superior.

made redundant by

Highlights that something is no longer needed because of a new development.

overtaken by

Implies that something has been surpassed in usefulness or relevance.

made antiquated by

Indicates that something has become old and no longer suitable for modern use.

eclipsed by

Suggests that something has been overshadowed or diminished by something else more prominent.

FAQs

How can I use "rendered obsolete by" in a sentence?

Use "rendered obsolete by" to indicate that something has become outdated or unnecessary due to a new development or technology. For example, "Typewriters have been "rendered obsolete by" computers".

What are some alternatives to "rendered obsolete by"?

Alternatives include "made obsolete by", "superseded by", "replaced by", or "outdated by". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "rendered obsolete by" or "made obsolete by"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. "Rendered obsolete by" might sound slightly more formal than "made obsolete by", but the difference is minimal.

What does "rendered obsolete by" imply about the item that is obsolete?

"Rendered obsolete by" implies that the item is no longer useful or relevant because something newer, better, or more efficient has taken its place. It suggests a clear cause-and-effect relationship.