seem obsolete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem obsolete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that appears to be outdated or no longer relevant. Example: "With the rapid advancement of technology, many traditional methods of communication seem obsolete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Meanwhile, the communications revolution made the quarterly seem obsolete.

The New York Times - Arts

In the era of power tennis, tactical niceties can seem obsolete.

The New York Times - Magazine

For young militants and communists, references to the Soviet Union, the crimes of Stalin and the cold war seem obsolete.

The New York Times

But if these versions, like Liszt's Beethoven transcriptions, now seem obsolete, obsolescence is hardly a lethal flaw in classical music.

The New York Times

In the decades to come, the special, unbreachable dominion of the ballerina, which is the Trocks' great subject, may seem obsolete.

The New Yorker

In the ring, at least, he exerts a civilizing influence on boxing; his virtuosic, punctilious style can make the sport's old blood-and-guts ethos seem obsolete.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Even the project's scale seems obsolete.

The New York Times

Still, the presumption that any Israeli government deserves the benefit of the doubt seems obsolete.

The New Yorker

Most fundamentally, Basel III seems obsolete even before it can formally take effect over the next few years.

The New York Times

As I watched children play with Spheros and other robotic toys, the debate over stem seemed obsolete.

The New Yorker

To Tesfaye Asfaw, director of the school's Office of Career Development and Internships, all that paper now seems obsolete.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing technological advancements, use "seem obsolete" to highlight how older technologies are losing relevance. For example, "With the rise of smartphones, landlines seem obsolete."

Common error

Avoid using "seemed obsolete" when the subject is still currently in use, even if declining in popularity. "Seemed obsolete" refers to something that was once considered outdated but may no longer be.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem obsolete" functions as a verb phrase followed by an adjective. This combination serves to express an opinion or perception about something's current relevance or utility, implying that it appears outdated or no longer necessary. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seem obsolete" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something that appears outdated or no longer relevant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts. Its neutral register makes it versatile for use in news, science, and general conversation. While alternatives like "appear outdated" or "seem outmoded" exist, "seem obsolete" remains a clear and effective way to convey the perception of something losing its usefulness or applicability. Be mindful of tense usage to ensure accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem outmoded

Focuses on the lack of modernness or fashion.

appear outdated

Emphasizes the visual aspect of being out of date.

seem old-fashioned

Indicates a style or method belonging to the past.

appear antiquated

Highlights the old-fashioned nature of something.

appear archaic

Stresses the ancient or very old quality.

appear superseded

Highlights that something has been replaced by something better.

seem irrelevant

Focuses on the lack of importance or connection to the present.

appear anachronistic

Emphasizes the misplacement in time or context.

appear to be a relic

Implies something is a surviving trace of a past age.

seem bygone

Suggests something is from a past era and no longer exists.

FAQs

How to use "seem obsolete" in a sentence?

Use "seem obsolete" to describe something that appears outdated or no longer useful due to advancements or changes in society. For example, "Fax machines "seem obsolete" in the age of email and instant messaging."

What can I say instead of "seem obsolete"?

You can use alternatives like "appear outdated", "seem outmoded", or "appear archaic" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "seems obsolete" or "seem obsolete"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "seems obsolete" for singular subjects (e.g., "This technology seems obsolete") and "seem obsolete" for plural subjects (e.g., "These methods seem obsolete").

What's the difference between "seem obsolete" and "is obsolete"?

"Seem obsolete" implies an appearance of being outdated but leaves room for potential use or relevance. "Is obsolete" states definitively that something is no longer in use or relevant.