What does outmoded mean?
Outmoded is an adjective for something that has fallen out of current use, fashion, or relevance. It can describe physical objects, systems, institutions, styles, and ideas, often suggesting that they belong to an earlier era and may seem inefficient, rigid, or unsuitable today. For example, an old and inefficient computer system may be called outmoded, while a once-popular style of dress may be described as outmoded because it no longer reflects contemporary taste. The word is more evaluative than outdated: outdated can neutrally mean that something is no longer current, whereas outmoded usually carries a stronger implication that something is obsolete, unfashionable, or in need of replacement. It is especially common in discussions of technology, design, social customs, and traditional practices.
adjectiveNo longer current, fashionable, or useful; old-fashioned and considered obsolete.
- No longer current, fashionable, or useful; old-fashioned and considered obsolete.
"The museum replaced its outmoded security system with a modern digital alternative."
"Many schools are replacing outmoded computer laboratories with modern digital classrooms."
"She described the formal rules of dress at the old theater as unnecessarily outmoded."
Outmoded describes the moment when yesterday’s innovation becomes tomorrow’s outdated relic.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outmoded come from?
Outmoded was formed in the 19th century from the prefix out- and the noun mode, meaning a prevailing fashion or manner. Mode itself comes through French from Latin modus, meaning measure, manner, or way. The related English words moderate, modify, modesty, and modulus also reflect forms of this Latin and Indo-European root.
Related word forms
How outmoded is actually used
Commonly used for fashions, methods, technologies, institutions, and ideas that seem dated or no longer appropriate. It is generally more emphatic than simply old and can suggest that something is not merely old but unsuitable for contemporary use.
Easily confused with outmoded
Both mean no longer current, but outmoded often emphasizes something being old-fashioned or no longer fashionable, whereas outdated can simply mean that information or an object is no longer up to date.