Obsoleted vs. Obsolete: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 20, 2024
Obsoleted refers to something that has been made outdated or replaced, while obsolete describes something that is no longer in use or has fallen out of favor.
Key Differences
Obsoleted is a past participle and typically used to indicate that something has been actively made outdated or replaced by something newer. For instance, a technology that has been replaced by a more advanced version is obsoleted. Obsolete, on the other hand, is an adjective describing an item or concept that is no longer in use or has become outdated over time. This term is often used to describe things that have fallen out of favor or utility without necessarily being actively replaced.
Obsoleted often implies an intentional action, such as a company phasing out an old product. For example, the old software was obsoleted when the new version was released. Obsolete describes the state of being outmoded and is used to convey that something no longer serves its original purpose effectively. For example, floppy disks are now considered obsolete technology.
Obsoleted can denote a process or transition, indicating a specific moment when the change occurred. Obsolete refers more to the current state of being out of date or unused, regardless of when or how that status was reached.
In technical and professional contexts, obsoleted is often used in documentation to mark items that are no longer supported. Obsolete is more commonly used in everyday language to describe outdated objects, practices, or ideas.
Obsoleted usually suggests a timeline where an entity was made obsolete at a specific point, while obsolete does not specify when something became outdated, only that it is now no longer in use.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Past participle
Adjective
Usage Context
Indicates active replacement or phase-out
Describes current state of being outdated
Implication
Intentional action taken
Naturally fallen out of use
Example Context
"The software was obsoleted by the update."
"Floppy disks are obsolete technology."
Temporal Aspect
Refers to a specific point in time
Refers to the current state
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Obsoleted and Obsolete Definitions
Obsoleted
No longer in use due to newer alternatives.
The typewriter was obsoleted by the advent of computers.
Obsolete
Superseded by newer methods or technologies.
Fax machines are largely obsolete in modern offices.
Obsoleted
Made outdated by replacement or phasing out.
The old model was obsoleted when the new one was introduced.
Obsolete
No longer in general use; out of date.
The once-popular VCR is now obsolete.
Obsoleted
Intentionally retired from active use.
The company obsoleted the old system last year.
Obsolete
Not in use because something better exists.
The rotary phone is an obsolete piece of technology.
Obsoleted
Formally marked as outdated in technical documentation.
This feature has been obsoleted in the latest software version.
Obsolete
Lacking relevance in the current context.
Many laws from the 1800s are obsolete today.
Obsoleted
Replaced due to advancements or innovations.
Analog televisions were obsoleted by digital technology.
Obsolete
Fallen out of favor or practice.
Certain medical practices are now considered obsolete.
Obsoleted
No longer in use
An obsolete word.
Obsolete
No longer in use
An obsolete word.
Obsoleted
Outmoded in design, style, or construction
An obsolete locomotive.
Obsolete
Outmoded in design, style, or construction
An obsolete locomotive.
Obsoleted
(Biology) Vestigial or rudimentary, especially in comparison with related or ancestral species, as the tailbone of an ape. Used of an organ or other part of an organism.
Obsolete
(Biology) Vestigial or rudimentary, especially in comparison with related or ancestral species, as the tailbone of an ape. Used of an organ or other part of an organism.
Obsoleted
To cause to become obsolete
"The textbook publishers use every trick known to the marketing mind to obsolete their products year after year, thus closing off the possibility of second-hand sales" (Thomas Frank).
Obsolete
To cause to become obsolete
"The textbook publishers use every trick known to the marketing mind to obsolete their products year after year, thus closing off the possibility of second-hand sales" (Thomas Frank).
Obsoleted
Simple past tense and past participle of obsolete
Obsolete
(of words, equipment, etc.) No longer in use; gone into disuse; disused or neglected (often in favour of something newer).
It is speculated that, within a few years, the Internet's speedy delivery of news worldwide will make newspapers obsolete.
Obsolete
(biology) Imperfectly developed; not very distinct.
Obsolete
To cause to become obsolete.
This software component has been obsoleted.
We are in the process of obsoleting this product.
Obsolete
No longer in use; gone into disuse; disused; neglected; as, an obsolete word; an obsolete statute; - applied chiefly to words, writings, or observances.
Obsolete
Not very distinct; obscure; rudimental; imperfectly developed; abortive.
Obsolete
To become obsolete; to go out of use.
Obsolete
Old; no longer in use or valid or fashionable;
Obsolete words
An obsolete locomotive
Outdated equipment
Superannuated laws
Out-of-date ideas
Obsolete
No longer in use;
Obsolete words
FAQs
Is obsoleted used in everyday language?
It is more common in technical or professional contexts than in everyday language.
How is the term obsolete used?
It describes something that is no longer in use or has become outdated over time.
What does it mean if something is obsoleted?
It means it has been actively replaced or phased out by something newer or better.
What is a common context for using obsolete?
Describing outdated technology or practices, such as "Obsolete software."
Can a technology be obsoleted and still be obsolete?
Yes, a technology that has been obsoleted is often also considered obsolete.
How do companies use the term obsoleted?
Companies use it to indicate products or features that have been officially retired or replaced.
What is an example of something that is obsolete?
Floppy disks are an example of obsolete technology.
Can a law be obsoleted?
Yes, laws can be obsoleted when they are replaced by new legislation, but they are more commonly described as obsolete when they are no longer relevant.
What are synonyms for obsolete?
Outdated, antiquated, and archaic are synonyms for obsolete.
Can you use obsolete to describe people?
No, it is typically used to describe objects, ideas, or practices, not people.
Is obsoleted a permanent state?
Yes, once something is obsoleted, it is considered permanently out of use.
Is obsoleted more common in any specific fields?
It is frequently used in technology, engineering, and business contexts.
Does obsolete always imply negativity?
Not necessarily; it can be neutral, merely indicating that something is no longer used or relevant.
Can something be obsolete but not obsoleted?
Yes, something can become obsolete over time without a specific action taken to obsolete it.
Can language become obsolete?
Yes, languages or words can become obsolete if they fall out of common use.
What is the difference in connotation between obsoleted and obsolete?
Obsoleted often implies a deliberate action, while obsolete suggests a natural decline in use.
How do you determine if something is obsoleted?
It is determined by whether an active decision or action was taken to replace or retire it.
Are there synonyms for obsoleted?
Yes, terms like "phased out" or "replaced" are synonyms for obsoleted.
How do you determine if something is obsolete?
It is considered obsolete if it is no longer in use or relevant in current contexts.
Is obsoleted used in historical contexts?
It is less common in historical contexts and more often used in modern, technical, or business settings.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
