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B2 adjective 10 min read

obsoleto

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips obsoleto in 30 Seconds

Explanation obsoleto in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of obsoleto as a fancy way to say 'no longer good' or 'too old to use'. Even though it's a B2 word, it's easy to learn because it looks like 'obsolete'. You use it to describe things like old phones or old computers. Just remember: if the thing is a 'boy' word (masculine), use obsoleto. If it's a 'girl' word (feminine), use obsoleta. For example, 'O computador é obsoleto' (The computer is obsolete). It's a great word to make your basic Portuguese sound a bit more professional right from the start. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet; just simple 'X is obsoleto' is perfect.

As an A2 learner, you're starting to describe things in more detail. You can use obsoleto to talk about technology and everyday objects that have been replaced. You might use it when talking about why you bought a new smartphone or why you don't use a DVD player anymore. At this level, you should practice the plural forms: obsoletos and obsoletas. For example: 'Meus livros de informática estão obsoletos' (My IT books are obsolete). You can also start using it with the verb ficar to show a change: 'O meu celular ficou obsoleto rápido' (My cell phone became obsolete quickly).

At the B1 level, you can use obsoleto in more professional or abstract contexts. You might discuss work processes or school systems. You should understand that obsoleto is more specific than velho (old). While a 'carro velho' might still drive perfectly, an 'equipamento obsoleto' might not work with modern tools. You can also use adverbs to qualify the word, like completamente obsoleto or quase obsoleto. This is the level where you start to see the word in news articles or hear it in documentaries about the environment and waste.

B2 is the target level for obsoleto. At this stage, you should be comfortable using it to discuss complex topics like obsolescência programada (planned obsolescence) or the evolution of legal systems. You can use it to critique social norms or economic theories. You should be able to distinguish it from synonyms like arcaico, ultrapassado, or anacrônico. You can also use it in the 'tornar-se' (to become) structure fluently: 'Muitas profissões tornaram-se obsoletas com a inteligência artificial'. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's formal tone.

For C1 learners, obsoleto is a tool for precise expression in academic and high-level professional discourse. You should use it to analyze systemic failures or historical shifts. You might use it in a metaphorical sense in literature or high-level journalism. At this level, you should also be familiar with related nouns like obsolescência and how they function in complex sentences. You can use the word to discuss the 'obsolescence of the human' in philosophical debates or the 'obsolete nature of certain diplomatic protocols'. Your ability to use the word in varied registers, from technical to poetic, is expected.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of obsoleto and its place in the history of the Portuguese language. You can use it with subtle irony or within complex rhetorical structures. You understand its etymological roots and how it relates to similar words in other Romance languages. You can discuss the nuances between obsoleto, desuso, and caducidade in legal or technical contexts. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, employing the word to provide deep insights into the transient nature of technology, culture, and thought.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

obsoleto in 30 Seconds

Obsoleto describes things like gadgets, laws, or ideas that are out of date and no longer useful because newer things have taken their place.
It is a formal word, often used in professional, technical, or academic contexts to talk about the evolution of systems and technology.
As an adjective, it must change to match the noun it describes: obsoleto (masculine) or obsoleta (feminine), and their plural forms.
It is different from 'velho' (old) because something obsolete is specifically replaced by a newer version, while old just means it has existed for a long time.

The Portuguese word obsoleto is a powerful adjective that describes something that has fallen out of use, not necessarily because it is broken, but because it has been surpassed by something newer, more efficient, or more socially relevant. It is a direct cognate of the English word 'obsolete' and shares the same Latin roots, making it relatively easy for English speakers to grasp. However, its application in Portuguese carries specific nuances depending on whether you are discussing technology, legislation, or social customs. When we call something obsoleto, we are making a definitive statement about its utility in the modern world. It is not just 'old' (velho) or 'ancient' (antigo); it is specifically 'outmoded'.

Technical Context: In the realm of engineering and computing, obsoleto refers to hardware or software that no longer receives updates or is incompatible with current standards. For example, a floppy disk is considered an objeto obsoleto because modern computers lack the drives to read them.

Muitas indústrias ainda utilizam maquinário obsoleto por falta de investimento em novas tecnologias.

Beyond physical objects, the word is frequently applied to abstract concepts. A law that no longer reflects the moral values of a society is often described as a lei obsoleta. In this context, the word serves as a catalyst for reform and change. It suggests that the item in question is a relic of the past that may even be hindering progress. In business, a strategy that worked in the 1990s but fails in the digital age is an estratégia obsoleta. The word implies a sense of urgency—if something is obsolete, it needs to be replaced or abandoned to maintain efficiency.

Social Nuance: Using obsoleto to describe a person's ideas or skills can be quite harsh. It implies that the person has failed to keep up with the times. It is more formal than saying someone is 'out of touch'.

In summary, obsoleto is the go-to word for anything that has been left behind by the march of time. Whether you are criticizing a slow government process, a clunky piece of software, or an outdated fashion trend, this word provides a sophisticated way to express that something's time has passed. It is widely used in journalism, academic writing, and professional environments throughout the Portuguese-speaking world, from Lisbon to Luanda to São Paulo.

Using obsoleto correctly requires an understanding of Portuguese adjective agreement and the distinction between permanent and temporary states. As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. This means you will encounter four forms: obsoleto (masculine singular), obsoleta (feminine singular), obsoletos (masculine plural), and obsoletas (feminine plural). Unlike English, where 'obsolete' never changes, Portuguese requires this grammatical harmony.

Gender and Number Agreement

O sistema é obsoleto. (The system is obsolete.)
A tecnologia é obsoleta. (The technology is obsolete.)
Os computadores são obsoletos. (The computers are obsolete.)
As normas são obsoletas. (The norms are obsolete.)

Aquele modelo de impressora tornou-se obsoleto com o lançamento da nova versão sem fio.

A crucial aspect of using this word is the choice of the verb 'to be'. Usually, we use the verb ser because obsolescence is considered an inherent quality of the object in its current context. However, the verb tornar-se (to become) is very common when describing the process of losing relevance. You might also see estar if you are emphasizing a temporary perception, though this is less frequent. For example, 'Este método está obsoleto para as nossas necessidades atuais' suggests it might still be useful elsewhere but not here.

Common Sentence Structures: You will often see it following the noun it modifies, which is the standard position for adjectives in Portuguese. Placing it before the noun (e.g., 'um obsoleto sistema') is very formal and poetic, often used to emphasize the negative quality of the object.

Finally, consider the intensity. You can modify obsoleto with adverbs like completamente (completely), totalmente (totally), or parcialmente (partially). This allows for a more nuanced description. 'O software está quase obsoleto' (The software is almost obsolete) implies that while it still functions, its days are numbered. Mastering these variations will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and precise in professional and academic settings.

In the daily lives of Portuguese speakers, obsoleto is a word that echoes through newsrooms, corporate boardrooms, and technology blogs. It is not a word you would typically hear in a casual conversation between toddlers, but it is ubiquitous in the adult world. One of the most frequent places you will encounter it is in discussions about obsolescência programada (planned obsolescence). This is a hot topic in Brazil and Portugal, where consumers often complain that smartphones and appliances are designed to become obsoletos within a few years to force new purchases.

Media and Journalism: On news programs like 'Jornal Nacional' in Brazil or 'Telejornal' in Portugal, you might hear journalists describing infrastructure as obsoleto. For example, 'O sistema ferroviário do país é obsoleto e precisa de modernização urgente'.

O comentarista afirmou que o código penal atual é obsoleto frente aos novos crimes cibernéticos.

In the workplace, particularly in the IT sector, the word is part of the daily jargon. Developers discuss código obsoleto (legacy code) that needs to be refactored. Managers might warn employees that their current skill set will become obsoleto if they do not participate in continuous training. This usage highlights the word's connection to the fast-paced nature of the modern economy. It carries a weight of inevitability—the idea that the world is moving so fast that what was cutting-edge yesterday is obsoleto today.

Academic and Legal Settings: In universities, professors use obsoleto to critique theories that have been debunked or superseded. In law, it refers to statutes that are no longer enforced because they contradict newer legislation or constitutional principles.

You might also hear it in a more metaphorical or literary sense. An author might describe a character's sentimentos obsoletos (obsolete feelings), suggesting a love or a grudge that no longer has a place in their current life. This shows the word's versatility—it moves from the cold world of machinery to the warm world of human emotion with ease, always retaining that core meaning of something that has been outpaced by the present moment.

While obsoleto is a cognate, English speakers often stumble on its specific grammatical and contextual boundaries in Portuguese. The most frequent error is neglecting gender and number agreement. In English, you can say 'the book is obsolete' and 'the magazines are obsolete' without changing the word. In Portuguese, you must remember that 'o livro é obsoleto' but 'as revistas são obsoletas'. Forgetting that final 'a' or 's' is a tell-tale sign of a non-native speaker.

Confusion with 'Antigo' and 'Velho': A common mistake is using obsoleto when you simply mean 'old'. An 'old' house (casa velha) is not necessarily 'obsolete' (obsoleta) if people still live in it comfortably. Use obsoleto only when the function is compromised by modern standards.

Errado: Meu avô está obsoleto.
Correto: Meu avô tem ideias obsoletas.

Another mistake involves the application to people. In English, calling someone 'obsolete' is mean, but in Portuguese, calling a person 'obsoleto' is almost nonsensical unless you are talking about their professional role. It is better to say their conhecimento (knowledge) or métodos (methods) are obsolete. If you want to say a person is 'behind the times', use 'ultrapassado'. Calling a person obsoleto sounds like you are calling them a piece of broken machinery.

Overusing with 'Estar': Learners often default to estar because they think obsolescence is a state that happened to the object. While not always wrong, ser is more common because it defines what the object is now. 'O rádio é obsoleto' defines the category of the object today.

Lastly, watch out for spelling. English speakers might try to add a double 'l' or change the 'o' to an 'e' based on other cognates. Remember the Portuguese spelling: O-B-S-O-L-E-T-O. It follows the Latin root very closely. Also, ensure you don't use it for things that are just 'broken'. If a new iPhone breaks, it is estragado or quebrado, not obsoleto. It only becomes obsoleto when the technology itself is no longer supported or useful compared to newer versions.

Portuguese offers a rich variety of synonyms for obsoleto, each with its own specific flavor and context. Choosing the right one can elevate your speaking from basic to advanced. While obsoleto is formal and technical, other words might fit better in casual conversation or when describing different types of 'outdatedness'. Understanding these differences is key to achieving fluency.

Ultrapassado vs. Obsoleto: Ultrapassado is the most common synonym. It literally means 'overtaken' or 'passed by'. It is less formal than obsoleto and can be used for people, fashion, and ideas. If your friend wears 1970s bell-bottoms, they are ultrapassados, not necessarily obsoletos.
Desatualizado: This means 'out of date' or 'not updated'. It is perfect for software, news, or information. If a map doesn't show a new road, it is desatualizado. It might not be obsoleto (the map itself is still a valid concept), just lacking current data.
Arcaico: This means 'archaic'. It is much stronger than obsoleto. It suggests something from a completely different era, like using a quill and parchment in a modern office. It often carries a negative, critical tone.

Enquanto o termo obsoleto é técnico, 'fora de moda' é a expressão perfeita para roupas e estilos.

In more informal settings, you might hear fora de moda (out of fashion) or antigamente used as an adjective (though grammatically an adverb). There is also the slang term cafona in Brazil, which refers to something that is outdated and in poor taste. However, if you are in a professional environment, sticking to obsoleto or desatualizado is your safest bet. For example, in a meeting, you would say 'Este processo está obsoleto', but at a party, you might say 'Essa música é tão velha'.

By learning these alternatives, you can tailor your message to your audience. Obsoleto remains the gold standard for describing the march of progress and the inevitable retirement of old technologies, but knowing when to use arcaico or ultrapassado will make you sound like a true 'lusófono' (Portuguese speaker). Always consider if the object is simply 'old' or if it has truly been replaced by something better.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'obsolescere' is formed from 'ob-' (away) and 'solere' (to be accustomed). So, something obsolete is literally 'away from being accustomed'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ob.so.ˈle.tu/

US /ob.so.ˈle.tu/

The word is a 'paroxítona', meaning the stress is on the penultimate syllable: ob-so-LE-to.

Rhymes With

repleto direto afeto projeto decreto secreto inseto teto

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable like in English 'OB-solete'.
Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong 'oh' instead of a soft 'u'.
Missing the 's' sound in the middle.
Adding an 'i' sound between 'b' and 's' (ob-i-soleto).
Pronouncing the 'e' like an 'i' (ob-so-li-to).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'obsolete'.

Writing 4/5

Requires careful attention to gender and number agreement (o/a/os/as).

Speaking 3/5

The stress on the penultimate syllable is different from English.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to identify in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

velho antigo novo tecnologia sistema

Learn Next

obsolescência vanguarda modernização inovação superado

Advanced

anacronismo caducidade desuso arcaísmo obsolescência programada

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

A máquina (f) é obsoleta (f).

Position of Adjectives

Um sistema obsoleto (standard) vs. Um obsoleto sistema (poetic).

Verb 'Tornar-se' with Adjectives

A tecnologia tornou-se obsoleta.

Adverbial Modification

O plano é totalmente obsoleto.

Pluralization of Adjectives ending in 'o'

Obsoleto -> Obsoletos.

Examples by Level

O rádio é obsoleto.

The radio is obsolete.

Simple adjective agreement with masculine singular noun 'rádio'.

A televisão é obsoleta.

The television is obsolete.

Feminine singular agreement with 'televisão'.

O meu telefone é obsoleto.

My phone is obsolete.

Possessive 'meu' agrees with 'telefone'.

Estes jogos são obsoletos.

These games are obsolete.

Masculine plural agreement.

Aquelas máquinas são obsoletas.

Those machines are obsolete.

Feminine plural agreement.

Não é obsoleto.

It is not obsolete.

Negation using 'não'.

O computador velho é obsoleto.

The old computer is obsolete.

Using two adjectives: 'velho' and 'obsoleto'.

A tecnologia é muito obsoleta.

The technology is very obsolete.

Using 'muito' as an intensifier.

Eu acho que este mapa está obsoleto.

I think this map is obsolete.

Using the verb 'estar' to express an opinion about a state.

O software ficou obsoleto no ano passado.

The software became obsolete last year.

Preterite tense of 'ficar' to show a completed change.

Nós não usamos ferramentas obsoletas.

We don't use obsolete tools.

Adjective following the noun 'ferramentas'.

Por que o seu carro é obsoleto?

Why is your car obsolete?

Question structure with 'por que'.

Muitas ideias antigas são obsoletas hoje.

Many old ideas are obsolete today.

Plural feminine agreement.

O manual de instruções está obsoleto.

The instruction manual is obsolete.

Masculine singular with 'estar'.

Eles vendem computadores obsoletos na loja.

They sell obsolete computers in the shop.

Direct object with adjective.

Esta câmera não é obsoleta, é clássica.

This camera is not obsolete, it's classic.

Contrasting 'obsoleto' with 'clássico'.

O sistema de segurança da empresa tornou-se obsoleto.

The company's security system became obsolete.

Reflexive verb 'tornar-se' in the preterite.

Precisamos substituir o maquinário obsoleto da fábrica.

We need to replace the factory's obsolete machinery.

Using 'substituir' (to replace) with the noun phrase.

A lei tornou-se obsoleta devido às novas tecnologias.

The law became obsolete due to new technologies.

Using 'devido a' to explain cause.

Trabalhar com métodos obsoletos reduz a produtividade.

Working with obsolete methods reduces productivity.

Gerund phrase as the subject.

O conhecimento dele sobre o assunto está obsoleto.

His knowledge on the subject is obsolete.

Abstract noun 'conhecimento' as subject.

Evite comprar tecnologia que ficará obsoleta em breve.

Avoid buying technology that will become obsolete soon.

Future tense 'ficará'.

A enciclopédia física é considerada obsoleta por muitos.

The physical encyclopedia is considered obsolete by many.

Passive voice 'é considerada'.

O design deste site parece um pouco obsoleto.

This website's design looks a bit obsolete.

Using 'parece' (looks/seems) and 'um pouco' (a bit).

A obsolescência programada torna os produtos obsoletos propositalmente.

Planned obsolescence makes products obsolete on purpose.

Noun 'obsolescência' and adjective 'obsoleto' in the same sentence.

Muitas teorias científicas do século passado estão agora obsoletas.

Many scientific theories from the last century are now obsolete.

Adverbial phrase 'do século passado'.

O governo deve atualizar a legislação obsoleta sobre o meio ambiente.

The government must update the obsolete legislation regarding the environment.

Modal verb 'deve' followed by infinitive.

O uso de disquetes é um exemplo clássico de tecnologia obsoleta.

The use of floppy disks is a classic example of obsolete technology.

Noun phrase 'exemplo clássico de'.

Se não inovarmos, nosso modelo de negócio será obsoleto em cinco anos.

If we don't innovate, our business model will be obsolete in five years.

Conditional 'se' with future subjunctive 'inovarmos'.

A infraestrutura urbana da cidade é obsoleta para o tráfego atual.

The city's urban infrastructure is obsolete for current traffic.

Preposition 'para' showing suitability/limit.

O professor criticou o currículo obsoleto da universidade.

The professor criticized the university's obsolete curriculum.

Transitive verb with direct object.

Aquelas normas de segurança são obsoletas e perigosas.

Those safety regulations are obsolete and dangerous.

Coordinating conjunction 'e' joining two adjectives.

A retórica do político baseava-se em conceitos sociológicos obsoletos.

The politician's rhetoric was based on obsolete sociological concepts.

Imperfect tense 'baseava-se' indicating a continuous state in the past.

A rápida evolução da IA ameaça tornar obsoletos diversos cargos técnicos.

The rapid evolution of AI threatens to make various technical roles obsolete.

Infinitive 'tornar' used as a causative verb.

O autor descreve um mundo onde a privacidade se tornou um conceito obsoleto.

The author describes a world where privacy has become an obsolete concept.

Relative clause starting with 'onde'.

É imperativo que descartemos esses protocolos obsoletos imediatamente.

It is imperative that we discard these obsolete protocols immediately.

Subjunctive mood 'descartemos' after 'é imperativo que'.

A empresa faliu por insistir em uma estratégia de marketing obsoleta.

The company went bankrupt for insisting on an obsolete marketing strategy.

Preposition 'por' followed by infinitive to show reason.

O sistema de ensino atual é frequentemente acusado de ser obsoleto.

The current education system is frequently accused of being obsolete.

Passive construction 'é acusado de'.

Sua visão de mundo, embora romântica, é irremediavelmente obsoleta.

His worldview, though romantic, is irremediably obsolete.

Concessive clause with 'embora' and the adverb 'irremediavelmente'.

A obsolescência das competências profissionais exige uma aprendizagem contínua.

The obsolescence of professional skills demands continuous learning.

Noun 'obsolescência' as the head of the subject phrase.

O tratado internacional foi considerado obsoleto perante as novas dinâmicas geopolíticas.

The international treaty was considered obsolete in the face of new geopolitical dynamics.

Formal preposition 'perante' meaning 'in the face of' or 'before'.

A linguagem utilizada no documento é tão obsoleta que beira o incompreensível.

The language used in the document is so obsolete that it borders on the incomprehensible.

Consecutive clause 'tão... que' expressing result.

Resta saber se essas práticas culturais se tornarão obsoletas ou se resistirão ao tempo.

It remains to be seen whether these cultural practices will become obsolete or will withstand time.

Impersonal 'resta saber' and alternative 'ou se' structure.

A arquitetura do edifício, embora outrora vanguardista, hoje é vista como obsoleta.

The building's architecture, though once avant-garde, is seen today as obsolete.

Adverb 'outrora' (formerly/once) adds a high-literary tone.

O filósofo argumenta que o próprio conceito de 'nação' pode estar se tornando obsoleto.

The philosopher argues that the very concept of 'nation' may be becoming obsolete.

Progressive construction 'estar se tornando'.

A obsolescência estética precede, muitas vezes, a obsolescência funcional.

Aesthetic obsolescence often precedes functional obsolescence.

Subject-verb agreement and use of technical terminology.

Nenhum sistema, por mais robusto que seja, está imune a tornar-se obsoleto.

No system, no matter how robust it may be, is immune to becoming obsolete.

Concessive structure 'por mais... que seja'.

A lei caiu em desuso, tornando-se um artefato jurídico obsoleto.

The law fell into disuse, becoming an obsolete legal artifact.

Gerund 'tornando-se' used as a supplementary clause.

Common Collocations

tecnologia obsoleta

sistema obsoleto

lei obsoleta

maquinário obsoleto

método obsoleto

tornar-se obsoleto

totalmente obsoleto

conceito obsoleto

modelo obsoleto

equipamento obsoleto

Common Phrases

Cair em obsolescência

— To fall into obsolescence. Used when something gradually loses its use.

Com a internet, as enciclopédias caíram em obsolescência.

Peça obsoleta

— An obsolete part. Used in mechanics for parts no longer manufactured.

Não encontro esta peça, ela já é uma peça obsoleta.

Linguagem obsoleta

— Outdated language. Used for old styles of writing or programming languages.

COBOL é considerada por muitos uma linguagem obsoleta.

Prática obsoleta

— An outdated practice. Used for old ways of doing things in medicine or business.

Sangrias são uma prática obsoleta na medicina.

Mentalidade obsoleta

— An outdated mindset. Used to criticize people who don't adapt to social change.

Ele tem uma mentalidade obsoleta sobre o papel das mulheres.

Moda obsoleta

— Outdated fashion. Used for styles that are no longer 'in'.

Aquela moda de ombreiras ficou obsoleta nos anos 90.

Infraestrutura obsoleta

— Outdated infrastructure. Often used in politics regarding roads or bridges.

A infraestrutura obsoleta do país impede o crescimento.

Código obsoleto

— Obsolete code. Used in software development for code that should be deleted.

O desenvolvedor removeu o código obsoleto do projeto.

Visão obsoleta

— An outdated view. Used for perspectives that are no longer relevant.

Ela tem uma visão obsoleta do mercado financeiro.

Regulamento obsoleto

— Outdated regulation. Used for rules that no longer make sense.

O regulamento da escola é obsoleto e precisa mudar.

Often Confused With

obsoleto vs absoluto

Sounds similar but means 'absolute' or 'total'. 'Poder absoluto' vs 'Sistema obsoleto'.

obsoleto vs obsolescência

This is the noun form (obsolescence). Don't use it as an adjective. 'O sistema é obsoleto' NOT 'O sistema é obsolescência'.

obsoleto vs obstinado

Starts with 'obs' but means 'stubborn'. Completely different meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"Parado no tempo"

— Stuck in time. Used to describe people or places that are obsolete or haven't changed.

Aquela vila parece parada no tempo.

informal

"Do tempo do Onça"

— From the time of the Jaguar (very old). Used for something extremely obsolete.

Esse seu computador é do tempo do Onça!

slang (Brazil)

"Cheirar a mofo"

— To smell of mold. Used for ideas or things that are so old they are obsolete.

Essas suas piadas cheiram a mofo.

informal

"Cair no esquecimento"

— To fall into oblivion. Often the fate of obsolete things.

Muitas tecnologias obsoletas caem no esquecimento.

neutral

"Ficar para trás"

— To be left behind. Used when something becomes obsolete because of progress.

Quem não se atualiza acaba ficando para trás.

neutral

"Ser peça de museu"

— To be a museum piece. Used for something so obsolete it belongs in a museum.

Esse rádio é uma peça de museu!

informal

"Do tempo da carochinha"

— From the time of the little cockroach (storybooks). Very old and obsolete.

Isso é uma história do tempo da carochinha.

informal

"Ultrapassado pela realidade"

— Overtaken by reality. Used for theories or plans that are now obsolete.

O plano econômico foi ultrapassado pela realidade.

formal

"Fora de circulação"

— Out of circulation. Used for money or books that are obsolete.

Essas moedas já estão fora de circulação.

neutral

"Morrer na praia"

— To die on the beach. Sometimes used for projects that become obsolete just before finishing.

O projeto era bom, mas morreu na praia porque a tecnologia mudou.

informal

Easily Confused

obsoleto vs velho

Both refer to age.

'Velho' is about age or wear. 'Obsoleto' is about being replaced by new technology.

Um sapato velho (worn out) vs Um sistema obsoleto (outdated).

obsoleto vs antigo

Both refer to the past.

'Antigo' can be positive (antique, classic). 'Obsoleto' is usually neutral or negative (useless).

Um móvel antigo (valuable antique) vs Um computador obsoleto (useless tech).

obsoleto vs ultrapassado

Very close synonyms.

'Ultrapassado' is more common for people and styles. 'Obsoleto' is more technical.

Ele está ultrapassado. vs O software está obsoleto.

obsoleto vs desatualizado

Both mean 'not current'.

'Desatualizado' means it needs an update. 'Obsoleto' means it is fundamentally out of date.

Um mapa desatualizado (needs new roads) vs Um GPS obsoleto (hardware is too old).

obsoleto vs arcaico

Both mean 'old'.

'Arcaico' is much more extreme, suggesting something from a primitive era.

Um método arcaico (like using stones) vs Um método obsoleto (like using a fax machine).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] + é + obsoleto/a.

O rádio é obsoleto.

[Noun] + está + obsoleto/a.

O mapa está obsoleto.

[Noun] + tornou-se + obsoleto/a.

A máquina tornou-se obsoleta.

Considero + [Noun] + obsoleto/a.

Considero este método obsoleto.

Devido a + [Noun], o/a [Noun] ficou obsoleto/a.

Devido à internet, o telégrafo ficou obsoleto.

Apesar de + [Adjective], é + obsoleto/a.

Apesar de bonito, o design é obsoleto.

Resta a dúvida se [Noun] é ou não obsoleto/a.

Resta a dúvida se o tratado é ou não obsoleto.

A obsolescência de [Noun] implica em [Result].

A obsolescência do sistema implica em riscos.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in technical, news, and business contexts. Moderate in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

O sistema é obsoleta. → O sistema é obsoleto.
'Sistema' is a masculine noun in Portuguese, even though it ends in 'a'. Therefore, the adjective must be masculine.
A tecnologia é obsoleto. → A tecnologia é obsoleta.
'Tecnologia' is feminine. The adjective must agree in gender.
Ele é um homem obsoleto. → Ele é um homem com ideias obsoletas.
Calling a person 'obsoleto' is unnatural. It is better to say their ideas or methods are obsolete.
O computador está obsoleto. → O computador é obsoleto.
While 'está' is not strictly wrong, 'ser' is more common as it describes an inherent quality in the current time.
Os softwares são obsoleto. → Os softwares são obsoletos.
The adjective must agree in number (plural) with the noun.

Tips

Watch the 'o' and 'a'

Always check the noun gender. If you say 'A tecnologia é obsoleto', it sounds very wrong. It must be 'obsoleta'.

Use it for Tech

This is the perfect word for gadgets. Use it when talking about old iPhones, VCRs, or Windows 95.

Professionalism

Use 'obsoleto' in workplace emails to justify buying new equipment. It sounds objective and logical.

Stress the 'LE'

Don't say OB-soleto. Say ob-so-LE-to. The emphasis is on the third syllable.

Legal Context

If you read about 'leis obsoletas', it means laws that are still in the books but no longer used or relevant.

Cognate Power

Since it's so close to 'obsolete', focus your energy on the Portuguese pronunciation and agreement rather than the meaning.

Avoid for People

Remember, calling a friend 'obsoleto' is like calling them a piece of trash. Use 'ultrapassado' instead.

Pair with 'Tornar-se'

The verb 'tornar-se' (to become) is the best partner for 'obsoleto'. It shows the transition of time.

Technical News

Watch tech news in Portuguese; you will hear this word at least once per episode.

Obsolescência Programada

Learn this phrase to participate in discussions about consumer rights in Brazil.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'Old Box' (OB) that is 'Solely' (SOLE) used to hold 'Toes' (TO). An OB-SOLE-TO box is definitely out of date!

Visual Association

Imagine a dusty floppy disk sitting next to a sleek modern cloud icon. The disk is the definition of obsoleto.

Word Web

Technology History Change Waste Update Old Replacement System

Challenge

Try to find three things in your house that are 'obsoletos' and name them in Portuguese using the correct gender agreement.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'obsoletus', which is the past participle of 'obsolescere' (to wear out, to fall into disuse).

Original meaning: The Latin root literally means 'grown old' or 'worn out'.

It is part of the Indo-European family, through the Italic branch into Romance languages.

Cultural Context

Avoid calling a person 'obsoleto' as it can be dehumanizing. Use 'com ideias obsoletas' or 'ultrapassado' instead.

The usage is almost identical to English, but Portuguese speakers might use it slightly more often in legal or formal debates than English speakers do.

The concept of 'Obsolescência Programada' is a common theme in Brazilian consumer rights documentaries. Many Portuguese fado songs touch on 'sentimentos obsoletos' or a world that has passed by. Technical manuals in Portugal often use the term 'descontinuado' alongside 'obsoleto'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Technology

Hardware obsoleto
Software obsoleto
Tecnologia obsoleta
Atualizar o que está obsoleto

Law

Legislação obsoleta
Código obsoleto
Normas obsoletas
Lei obsoleta

Business

Modelo de negócio obsoleto
Estratégia obsoleta
Processos obsoletos
Equipamento obsoleto

Education

Currículo obsoleto
Método de ensino obsoleto
Livros obsoletos
Conhecimento obsoleto

Fashion

Estilo obsoleto
Tendência obsoleta
Roupas obsoletas
Visual obsoleto

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que os livros físicos vão se tornar obsoletos um dia?"

"Qual foi a última tecnologia que você usou e que agora é obsoleta?"

"Como podemos evitar que nossas habilidades profissionais fiquem obsoletas?"

"Você concorda que a obsolescência programada é um crime contra o consumidor?"

"Existe alguma lei no seu país que você considera totalmente obsoleta?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um objeto que você possui que é obsoleto, mas que você ainda guarda por valor sentimental.

Reflita sobre como a sociedade lida com o que é considerado obsoleto hoje em dia.

Escreva sobre uma ideia que você tinha no passado e que agora considera obsoleta.

Imagine o mundo em 2050. Quais tecnologias atuais serão consideradas obsoletas?

Pense em um processo no seu trabalho que é obsoleto e como você o mudaria.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is not recommended. Calling a person 'obsoleto' is like calling them a machine. Use 'ultrapassado' if you mean they are behind the times, or say 'suas ideias são obsoletas' (their ideas are obsolete).

Something 'velho' is just old or has been used a lot. Something 'obsoleto' might be brand new but based on a technology that no longer works with modern systems. A brand new floppy disk is 'novo' (new) but 'obsoleto'.

Yes, it is more formal than 'velho' or 'antigo'. It is perfectly suited for business meetings, technical reports, and academic essays.

The term is 'obsolescência programada'. It is a very common phrase in Brazilian and Portuguese media.

Not necessarily. It just means it's out of date. However, in a professional context, it usually implies that a change or upgrade is needed.

Yes, you can, but 'fora de moda' or 'ultrapassado' are more common for clothing. 'Obsoleto' in fashion would sound very strong and technical.

The plural of 'obsoleta' (feminine) is 'obsoletas'. For example: 'Aquelas máquinas são obsoletas'.

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries with the same meaning and formality level.

The best antonyms are 'moderno' (modern), 'atual' (current), or 'inovador' (innovative).

Occasionally, it can be used as a noun (e.g., 'o obsoleto'), but it is much more common as an adjective. The proper noun form is 'obsolescência'.