What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obsoleted
Example
The company obsoleted their old software and released a new version. [obsoleted: past tense verb]
Example
The manual system was obsoleted by the new automated process. [obsoleted: past participle adjective]
antiquated
Example
The antiquated laws needed to be updated to reflect modern society. [antiquated: adjective]
Example
The museum had a collection of antiquated artifacts from ancient civilizations. [antiquated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Antiquated is more commonly used than obsoleted in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications. However, both words are less common and may be considered more formal or technical.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between obsoleted and antiquated?
Both obsoleted and antiquated are more formal than their alternatives, such as 'old' or 'outdated'. However, obsoleted may be more technical and specific to certain industries, while antiquated may be more literary and expressive.
