outdated

American  

[out-dey-tid] / ˌaʊtˈdeɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. no longer in use or fashionable; out-of-date; outmoded; antiquated.

---

outdated British  

/ ˌaʊtˈdeɪtɪd /

adjective

1. old-fashioned or obsolete

---

Etymology

Origin of outdated

First recorded in 1610–20; out- + date ¹ + -ed ²

Explanation

Anything that's so old-fashioned that it's unstylish or not useful is outdated. You might love the way an antique car looks, but its outdated safety standards (no seat belts or airbags) make it dangerous to drive on the highway. The 70s bell-bottom jeans your aunt still wears might be embarrassingly outdated, but at least they function as pants. Your outdated computer, on the other hand, isn't even capable of getting online or connecting to your printer — in other words, it's obsolete, or completely useless. This adjective dates from the early 1600s, from the "mark as old fashioned" meaning of the verb date.

Example Sentences

He really does believe doubts about his electability are rooted in fear and outdated politics and old ways of thinking, and he could probably persuade you, too.

From Slate • Apr. 29, 2026

Parents increasingly want small, personalized learning environments for their children, but outdated zoning rules are blocking educators and entrepreneurs from opening schools that would serve this market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

The Spartanburg, S.C.-based small-business owner knew an old, outdated home would need pricey, time-consuming renovations that she wasn’t willing to take on as a single mom.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

“It is just so funny to me that something so seemingly extinct or outdated could become an incredible opportunity now,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

I think shag carpeting was outdated even before I was born.

From "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper

Related Words

• antiquated
• archaic
• obsolete
• old
• out-of-date
• outmoded