English · Word Candidate

obsolete

/ˈɒbsəliːt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: obsoletes · obsoleting · obsoleted

Sense 1

Meaning · English

No longer in use or no longer useful; now disused or neglected (often in favour of something newer, better, or more fashionable); outmoded.

Adjective

Examples

Speedy, worldwide, accessible delivery of news through the Web has made newspapers obsolete.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Imperfectly developed; not very distinct.

Adjective

Examples

These two birds somewhat closely resemble each other, but the Sedge Warbler is russet-brown above, the feathers with dark centres, the pale buff eyestripe is very clearly defined, and the underparts are buffish white; the Reed Warbler is more olive on the upper parts, the feathers having no dark cen

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To cause to become obsolete.

Verb

Examples

This software component has been obsoleted.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

An obsolete thing or person.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “obsolete” mean?

No longer in use or no longer useful; now disused or neglected (often in favour of something newer, better, or more fashionable); outmoded.

Is “obsolete” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.