Obsolete - Word of the Day for IELTS Speaking and Writing

In today’s fast-paced world, various things or habits that used to be part of our daily lives have lost their significance. For example, we no longer use a gramophone or radio to listen to songs; downloadable MP3 or streaming apps have replaced cassette tapes, etc. The word ‘obsolete’ is perfect to talk about such things, habits, or trends that have been substituted by new alternatives. 

 So, learn the meaning, history, and proper usage of the term ‘obsolete’, solidify your understanding through practical exercises, and add it to your IELTS vocabulary words list for Band 8 or 9 to achieve your desired score. 

Meaning of Obsolete 

• Pronunciation: /ɑːbsəˈliːt/ (sounds like awb·suh·leet)

According to Oxford, ‘obsolete’ means ‘no longer produced or used; out of date’. So, the word ‘obsolete’ describes something that is no longer useful, relevant, or in operation, often because something newer has replaced it. 

History and Origin of ‘Obsolete’

The word ‘obsolete’ originates from the Latin word ‘obsoletus’, meaning ‘worn out’ or ‘no longer in use’. It became part of the English language in the 16th century, initially referring to objects and practices that had lost their relevance. 

Over time, the use expanded to describe traditions, technologies, and ideas that had been replaced by more modern alternatives. Today, the word is commonly used in academic, business, technological, and everyday contexts.

Usage & Examples of Obsolete 

Here are some examples of how the word ‘obsolete’ can be used in different contexts.

• Newly made bombs would replace old, and now obsolete, weapons in the stockpile.
• Zab finds herself using the now obsolete narrative conventions of the memoir.
• In that time, the all-important double-team has been rendered obsolete.
• It briefly considers the prospects for extending the operational life of obsolete systems through physical restoration as well as logical simulation.
• Many students find handwritten letters obsolete in an age dominated by instant messaging.
• In a world where technology and ideas evolve rapidly, many products, traditions, and even jobs become obsolete almost overnight.

IELTS Usage of ‘Obsolete’

Using ‘obsolete’ in IELTS shows your ability to express decline, change, modernization, and transition, ideas frequently discussed in IELTS Writing and Speaking. Let us check out some samples where the word has been used in the correct IELTS context.

IELTS Speaking Part 2

• Cue Card Topic: Describe something you own that you no longer use but have kept. 
• Answer Excerpt: One old possession that I still keep, even though I no longer use it, is a bulky MP3 music player that I bought when I was in secondary school. At that time, it was considered quite modern, and I used to carry it everywhere, and it became a big part of my daily routine. However, over time, it became obsolete, especially with the introduction of smartphones and streaming apps.

IELTS Writing Task 2

• Topic: Some people believe that traditional teaching methods are becoming obsolete in the modern world. Do you agree or disagree?
• Answer Excerpt: I mostly agree that traditional teaching methods are becoming obsolete as students today learn better through interactive digital tools. Online platforms allow learners to access multimedia resources that traditional classrooms cannot provide.

Synonyms of Obsolete 

Here are some synonyms for ‘obsolete’ for IELTS Speaking and Writing, each explained with the word's meaning and a sample sentence.

Antonyms of Obsolete 

Let us look at the opposite of ‘obsolete’, words that you can add to your advanced vocabulary word list for IELTS. 

Exercises to Master the Meaning of ‘Obsolete’

Now, it is time to complete the exercises that follow to improve your understanding of the word ‘obsolete’.

1 Choose the sentence in which ‘obsolete’ is used INCORRECTLY.

A The company stopped manufacturing floppy disks because the technology had become obsolete.

B Many traditional agricultural tools became obsolete after mechanization.

C The newly launched smartphone was considered obsolete the moment it hit the market.

D The obsolete laws were updated to match modern societal expectations.

2 Which of the following is the closest meaning of ‘obsolete’ in the sentence: ‘Several methods of diagnosing the disease have become obsolete in modern medicine.’?

A Experimental and risky

B No longer effective or relevant

C Too complex for common use

D Extremely expensive

3 Which sentence BEST demonstrates the connotation of ‘obsolete’ as a disadvantage in a professional or academic setting?

A The obsolete curriculum forced students to learn outdated concepts, placing them at a disadvantage in modern industries.

B The obsolete coin was a collector’s item sold for a high price.

C The museum displayed obsolete farming equipment for educational purposes.

D The obsolete manuscript fascinated historians due to its cultural value.

1. Next to him, the other dancers seemed like ……………………
2. The rise in the inflation rate, in turn, raises the …………….. interest rate
3. Some of the stolen …………….. was discovered in an empty warehouse.
4. The players will face a ……………… on charges of serious assault in October.
5. The cloth is liberally soaked and wiped over the surface in a smooth ……………………… motion.
6. Weapons that would have been invincible twenty years before are now vulnerable and ……………………………

Answer Keys

To conclude, whether discussing technology, ideas, systems, or jobs, using ‘obsolete’ effectively demonstrates higher-level vocabulary and improved expression. So, understand its meaning, history, synonyms, antonyms, and IELTS usage to add it to your IELTS vocabulary list and apply it accurately and confidently for a better lexical resource score.

Useful Links:

• Ambivalent - Word of the Day for IELTS Speaking and Writing
• Word of the Day Dearth - Meaning, Usage & IELTS Examples
• Antique - Word Of The Day For IELTS
• Cumbersome: Word Meaning, Examples, Origin & Usage in IELTS
• Practical Tips on How to Improve Vocabulary for the IELTS Exam