outdated

/aut'deitid/

Thân thiện

The library's outdated computer still uses a large, bulky monitor.

Definition

Adjective: 1. No longer current, useful, or fashionable; obsolete: Describes something that was once modern or standard but has since been replaced by newer, better, or more fashionable alternatives. 2. Based on or reflecting information, ideas, or technology that is no longer up-to-date.

Usage

The word "outdated" is used to describe objects, information, systems, styles, or ideas that are considered old-fashioned and no longer in line with current standards, knowledge, or trends. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting the thing described is inadequate or inferior compared to modern equivalents.

Examples

• The company's manufacturing process relies on outdated machinery.
• This textbook contains outdated information about the solar system.
• Many consider his views on management to be hopelessly outdated.
• The software became outdated after the new operating system was released.

Advanced Usage

• "to render something outdated": to cause something to become obsolete.
  • The invention of the smartphone rendered many standalone devices outdated.
• "hopelessly/woefully outdated": emphasizes that something is completely and irredeemably obsolete.
  • The regulations were hopelessly outdated and failed to address modern challenges.

Variants and Related Words

• Outdate (verb, less common): To make something obsolete.
  • Technological progress constantly outdates previous models.
• Outdatedness (noun): The state or quality of being outdated.
  • The report highlighted the outdatedness of the current infrastructure.

Different Meanings / Nuances

While the core meaning relates to being obsolete, the application can vary: 1. Technologically: Refers to hardware, software, or methods (e.g., an outdated computer). 2. Intellectually/Informationally: Refers to knowledge, data, or theories (e.g., outdated scientific models). 3. Stylistically/Fashionably: Refers to clothing, design, or slang (e.g., an outdated hairstyle). 4. Socially/Culturally: Refers to attitudes, laws, or customs (e.g., outdated social norms).

Synonyms

• Obsolete: No longer produced or used; out of date. (Often stronger, implying complete disuse).
• Out-of-date: Exactly synonymous with "outdated."
• Dated: Clearly belonging to a past period, often used for styles or ideas.
• Archaic: Extremely old and no longer in ordinary use, often used for language or customs.
• Antiquated: Old-fashioned or outdated, typically with a sense of being impractical.
• Superannuated: Retired or discarded due to age or inefficiency (more formal).

Antonyms

• Current
• Up-to-date
• Modern
• Contemporary
• State-of-the-art

Idioms / Common Phrases

• "Behind the times": Having ideas or methods that are not modern; outdated.
  • Their marketing strategy is behind the times.
• "A relic of the past": Something outdated that survives from an earlier time.
  • The fax machine is now seen as a relic of the past.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. old; no longer valid or fashionable
   • obsolete words
   • an obsolete locomotive
   • outdated equipment
   • superannuated laws
   • out-of-date ideas

Từ đồng nghĩa

• out-of-date
• superannuated