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antiquated

AN-tih-kway-tid /ˈæntɪkweɪtɪd/

adjectiveC1GRETOEFLIELTS

Formal

Old-fashioned or outdated, especially to the point of being impractical or inefficient.

Strongly implies that something is not just old, but so old-fashioned that it's no longer suitable or effective for modern purposes. It often carries a slightly negative connotation of being behind the times.

The story behind the word. "Antiquated" comes from the Latin word antiquus, meaning "old" or "ancient." This root also gives us "antique" and "antiquity." The verb antiquare meant "to make old" or "to render obsolete." So, when something is "antiquated," it has been made old to the point of being outmoded and often impractical, much like an "antique" that has lost its everyday utility.

Word relationships

outdated: No longer current or fashionable.
obsolete: No longer produced or used.
archaic: Very old or old-fashioned.

modern: Relating to the present or recent times.
innovative: Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
cutting-edge: The latest or most advanced stage of development in a particular type of technology or product.

Commonly confused with

outdated: "Antiquated" is a stronger form of "outdated," specifically implying impracticality or inefficiency due to age. "Outdated" can just mean not current.

Word family

antiquate (verb): to make old or obsolete.
antiquity (noun): the ancient past.

Collocations

antiquated system
antiquated laws
antiquated methods
antiquated equipment
antiquated notions

Example sentences

"The factory still used antiquated machinery that constantly broke down." Describing old factory equipment.
"Their business model was so antiquated it couldn't compete with modern startups." Referring to an outdated business approach.
"She found the antiquated social customs of the village charming, but impractical." Describing social norms.

Memory hook

"ANTI-QUAY-TED" – like an antique that is now quaint but no longer useful. Antique quaint

When not to use

Don't use "antiquated" for something that is merely old but still charming, functional, or valuable (e.g., an antique vase). It implies a loss of practical utility.

Fun facts

The word "antique" shares the same Latin root antiquus, but "antique" generally refers to something old and valuable, while "antiquated" refers to something old and no longer useful or efficient.

Related words

archaic, outdated

Explore more words

behind the times, antiquity, dilapidated, quaint, anachronism, relic