What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obsolete
Example
The typewriter is now obsolete. [obsolete: adjective]
Example
The company stopped producing the obsolete model of the phone. [obsolete: adjective]
Example
The word 'thou' is obsolete in modern English. [obsolete: adjective]
disused
Example
The disused factory was turned into a museum. [disused: adjective]
Example
The disused railway track was overgrown with weeds. [disused: adjective]
Example
The disused well was covered with a heavy stone slab. [disused: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obsolete is more commonly used than disused in everyday language. Obsolete is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while disused is less common and typically used to describe physical objects or places.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between obsolete and disused?
Both obsolete and disused are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
