obsolete
Meaning: No longer in use or no longer useful; outdated and replaced by something newer or more effective.
Obsolete describes technology, practices, language, or ideas that have been completely superseded. 'Obsolete equipment,' 'obsolete technology,' and 'rendered obsolete' are standard collocations. Unlike 'old-fashioned' (which can be charming), obsolete implies functional irrelevance — the thing no longer serves its purpose. 'Planned obsolescence' is the deliberate design of products to become obsolete, forcing consumers to buy replacements. The verb 'obsolesce' exists but is rare.
Examples
- The introduction of digital photography rendered film cameras virtually obsolete within a decade. 数码摄影的问世在十年内使胶片相机几乎完全过时。La aparición de la fotografía digital dejó las cámaras de película prácticamente obsoletas en una década.デジタル写真の導入により、フィルムカメラは10年足らずでほぼ完全に時代遅れとなった。디지털 사진의 도입으로 필름 카메라는 10년도 채 되지 않아 사실상 구식이 되었다.
- Many of the skills required for the role have become obsolete due to advances in automation. 由于自动化的进步,该职位所需的许多技能已变得过时。Muchas de las competencias requeridas para el puesto han quedado obsoletas debido a los avances en automatización.自動化の進歩により、その職務に求められていた多くのスキルは陳腐化した。자동화의 발전으로 인해 해당 직무에 필요했던 많은 기술이 쓸모없게 되었다.
- Critics argue that planned obsolescence in consumer electronics creates unnecessary waste. 批评者认为消费电子产品中的计划性淘汰造成了不必要的浪费。Los críticos sostienen que la obsolescencia programada de la electrónica de consumo genera un desperdicio innecesario.批評家は、家電製品における計画的陳腐化が不必要な廃棄物を生んでいると主張している。비평가들은 가전제품의 계획적 진부화가 불필요한 폐기물을 만들어낸다고 주장한다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, academic, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin obsoletus (worn out, past its prime), past participle of obsolescere (to fall into disuse), from ob- (against) + solere (to be accustomed to). The technology sense became dominant in the 20th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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