abandonware

American  

[uh-ban-duhn-wair] / əˈbæn dənˌwɛər /

noun

1. old or outdated software for which the publisher has discontinued updates, technical support, or distribution.

   This Japanese RPG is so old it’s technically abandonware, but I still love playing it.

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abandonware British  

/ əˈbændənˌwɛə /

noun

1. computer software which is no longer sold or supported by its publisher

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Usage

What does abandonware mean? Abandonware is software that has been abandoned by the person or company that made or owns it, that is, the products are no longer being actively sold or supported.How is abandonware pronounced?[ uh-ban-duhn-wair ]What are other words related to abandonware?

• cloudware
• software

Etymology

Origin of abandonware

First recorded in 2000–05; abandon ( def. ) + -ware ( def. )

Example Sentences

That’s changed in the years since Windows 10’s debut, but the Store still feels like abandonware.

From The Verge

It now functions as “a poetic example of abandonware” that she’s “fairly certain” she’ll explore as a “vintage interface” some time in the future.

From The Guardian

Unfortunately, while the former is still readily playable in a web browser, the latter has become abandonware, largely unplayable on modern computers.

From The Verge