Antiquated Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：outmoded and laughably old (antiquated)

antiquated 🔊

/ˈæntɪkweɪtɪd/

adj.

Something so old that it seems silly in modern times.

Antiquated rotary phone vs modern smartphone comparison

outmoded and laughably old 🔊

➕

/aʊtˈmoʊdɪd ænd ˈlæfəbli oʊld/

adj.

Describes something that is so old-fashioned that it seems absurd or unsuitable for modern use.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'antiquatus' (made old), from 'antiquus' (ancient, old).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'antique' + 'dated' – something so old it's like an antique but past its useful date.

📖 Example

The company still relies on an antiquated desktop computer that hums loudly and takes forever to start up, which makes working in the modern office feel very frustrating. 🔊 The company still relies on an antiquated desktop computer that hums loudly and takes forever to start up, which makes working in the modern office feel very frustrating.

🔗 Collocations

antiquated system – a system that is outdated and no longer efficient

antiquated technology – technology that is obsolete and impractical today

antiquated laws – laws that are old-fashioned and no longer relevant

🔄 Synonyms

outdated (adj.) – No longer current or modern

obsolete (adj.) – No longer in use because something newer and more effective has been invented

archaic (adj.) – Very old or old-fashioned, often belonging to an earlier period

🚫 Antonyms

modern (adj.) – Relating to the present time or recent times

contemporary (adj.) – Living or occurring at the same time; very modern

up-to-date (adj.) – Including the latest information or using the newest methods

🌱 Derivatives

antiquate (v.) – To make old or obsolete

antiquatedly (adv.) – In an old-fashioned or obsolete manner

antiquatedness (n.) – The state or quality of being antiquated

📖 Cultural Story

Derives from Latin 'antiquus' meaning 'ancient'. In English, it often implies something not just old, but obsolete and laughably outdated, like a rotary phone in a smartphone era.