What does outdate mean?
Outdate is a transitive verb meaning to make something obsolete, old-fashioned, or no longer suitable for current use. It is used when a newer invention, system, design, or standard makes an older one inadequate. For example, a new technology may outdate existing equipment or a recent policy may outdate previous regulations. Although the meaning is straightforward, the verb is relatively uncommon: general audiences are more likely to encounter the adjective outdated, while writers often choose supersede, replace, or make obsolete instead. Outdate nevertheless has a useful nuance because it emphasizes the relationship between a newer development and the older thing it makes ineffective. It can therefore appear in technical, historical, or formal discussions of changing technology, media formats, systems, or institutions.
verbTo make something obsolete or out of date; to supersede it.
- To make something obsolete or out of date; to supersede it.
"The new technology may quickly outdate existing systems."
"The new format will outdate the system it replaces."
"Once the new standard is adopted, it can quickly outdate every system built around the old one."
Outdate is the rarer verb behind the familiar idea of outdatedness.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outdate come from?
Outdate is an English compound formed from out and date. In the verb, the idea is to go beyond the period, standard, or technological level with which something is associated. The element date descends through Old French from Latin datum, meaning “given,” originally referring to a time assigned or specified. The compound became established in English during the early modern period, although its modern frequency is much lower than that of the derivative adjective outdated.
Related word forms
How outdate is actually used
The verb is uncommon in contemporary English. Writers usually prefer supersede, make obsolete, or the more familiar adjective outdated.
Easily confused with outdate
Outdate is a verb describing the act of making something obsolete, whereas outdated is an adjective describing something that is no longer current.