superannuated

American  

[soo-per-an-yoo-ey-tid] / ˌsu pərˈæn yuˌeɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. retired because of age or infirmity.

2. too old for use, work, service, or a position.

3. antiquated or obsolete.

   superannuated ideas.

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superannuated British  

/ ˌsuːpərˈænjʊˌeɪtɪd /

adjective

1. discharged, esp with a pension, owing to age or illness

2. too old to serve usefully

3. obsolete

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Etymology

Origin of superannuated

1625–35; alteration (with -u- of annual ) of Medieval Latin superannātus over a year old (said of cattle), equivalent to super ann ( um ) beyond a year + -ātus -ate ¹; see -ed ²

Explanation

If a friend describes your dot matrix printer as superannuated, then you should probably plan a shopping trip for electronics. Your friend has just pointed out that your printer is obsolete. The word superannuated, pronounced "su-per-AN-you-ay-ted," comes from the Medieval Latin word superannuatus, which means “to be too old.” You can use this word to describe things that are obsolete because of age, like a superannuated car you can't fix because replacement parts are no longer made. You also might be tempted to call the word superannuated, well, superannuated, because you don’t hear it used very much anymore.

Example Sentences

The Black Prince by Iris Murdoch Superannuated author Bradley Pearson looks back on his affair with the daughter of a friend and rival author.

From The Guardian • Mar. 20, 2010

Superannuated as a fad, running is beginning to express itself more and more in the tongues of a subculture.

From Time Magazine Archive

He describes his feelings on this happy release from business, in his essay on The Superannuated Man.

From English Literature, Considered as an Interpreter of English History Designed as a Manual of Instruction by Coppee, Henry

The cab-rank in Sloane Square is really a Home for Superannuated Horses.

From Not George Washington — an Autobiographical Novel by Wodehouse, P. G. (Pelham Grenville)

Superannuated, old, laid up in ordinary, he quietly watched over the rotting ship which was his last command.

From Woven with the Ship A Novel of 1865 by Brady, Cyrus Townsend