somewhat obsolete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat obsolete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is no longer in common use or has fallen out of favor, but is not entirely outdated. Example: "With the rise of digital communication, traditional mail services have become somewhat obsolete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It is moving that Mr. Pamphilon loves the sport and its bonding rituals even as he suggests it should be radically altered or even made somewhat obsolete.

The New York Times

Although Aaron Rodgers can make the running game somewhat obsolete with his passing skills, Green Bay would most likely prefer to present at least a mild running threat.

The New York Times

Brand-name drug companies may try to protect themselves from competition by developing improved versions of their drugs that render the originals somewhat obsolete.

The New York Times

Jennifer Gibson, of Reprieve, said the discovery made the current debate over UK involvement in air strikes in Syria "somewhat obsolete".

The Guardian

Roche executives say they hope that Kadcyla, along with Perjeta, will make Herceptin somewhat obsolete by the time it could face competition from cheaper biosimilars, which are similar to generics.

The New York Times

Yes, Graham's concept of asset value is somewhat obsolete in our information economy.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

STEAMPUNK AT PIER 94 Ten dealers at the Pier Antiques Show on Saturday and Sunday at Pier 94 in Manhattan are demonstrating how to twist and weld obsolete objects into somewhat useful steampunk.

The New York Times - Arts

This somewhat unfortunate tweet was quickly rendered obsolete as ties emerged between the attackers and ISIS.

Huffington Post

It's got to be something that's a little obsolete, a little out-of-date, somewhat relevant but not terribly pressing or important - and I thought of my parents.

Huffington Post

Or obsolete.

The New York Times - Books

Obsolete term.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat obsolete" when you want to indicate that something is losing relevance or usefulness, but still has some limited value or application.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat obsolete" when describing something that is completely out of use or has been entirely replaced. Consider using "obsolete" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat obsolete" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically used to describe a noun. It indicates that the noun is in a state of declining usefulness or relevance but hasn't completely disappeared. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat obsolete" serves as a valuable tool to describe concepts, technologies, or practices that are losing relevance but haven't entirely disappeared. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, especially in news, media and scientific publications. When you want to convey this partial decline, the phrase "somewhat obsolete" is correct and idiomatic. Remember to reserve "obsolete" for situations where something is completely out of use, and instead of "somewhat obsolete" consider related alternatives such as "partially outdated" or "increasingly irrelevant".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly outdated

Indicates a mild form of being old-fashioned or not current.

partially outdated

Focuses on the degree to which something is no longer current.

somewhat antiquated

Highlights the old-fashioned nature of something, similar to archaic.

relatively outmoded

Highlights the comparative aspect of something being old-fashioned.

increasingly irrelevant

Emphasizes the decreasing importance or applicability of something.

partially superseded

Implies that something has been replaced by something newer or better.

becoming antiquated

Stresses the process of something becoming old and no longer useful.

less applicable

Focuses on the reduced suitability or relevance of something in current contexts.

marginally archaic

Suggests a slight degree of being outdated or belonging to an earlier time.

gradually fading

Emphasizes the progressive decline in relevance or importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat obsolete" to describe things that are becoming outdated but still have some relevance. For example, "With the rise of smartphones, landlines have become "somewhat obsolete"".

What's the difference between "somewhat obsolete" and "obsolete"?

"Somewhat obsolete" implies a partial decline in use or relevance, while "obsolete" means something is completely out of use. Something that is "somewhat obsolete" may still have niche applications or historical value.

Are there any synonyms for "somewhat obsolete"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "partially outdated", "relatively outmoded", or "increasingly irrelevant" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "somewhat obsolete" in formal writing?

Yes, "somewhat obsolete" is suitable for formal writing. It is a neutral phrase that accurately conveys a nuanced meaning. It can be used across various registers.