adjective
- no longer in general use; fallen into disuse: an obsolete expression.
- of a discarded or outmoded type; out of date: an obsolete battleship.
- (of a linguistic form) no longer in use, especially, out of use for at least the past century.Compare archaic.
- effaced by wearing down or away.
- Biology. imperfectly developed or rudimentary in comparison with the corresponding character in other individuals, as of the opposite sex or of a related species.
verb (used with object), ob·so·let·ed, ob·so·let·ing.
- to make obsolete by replacing with something newer or better; antiquate: Automation has obsoleted many factory workers.
adjective
- out of use or practice; not current
- out of date; unfashionable or outmoded
- biology (of parts, organs, etc) vestigial; rudimentary
adj.1570s, from Latin obsoletus “grown old, worn out,” past participle of obsolescere “fall into disuse,” probably from ob “away” (see ob-) + an expanded form of solere “to be used to, be accustomed” (see insolent).