verouderd
The English phrase obsolete translates to Dutch as verouderd. Wiktionary also lists achterhaald and in onbruik.
Meaning: no longer in use (adj)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| verouderd | |
| achterhaald | /ˌɑx.tərˈɦaːlt/ |
| in onbruik |
The term refers to something that is no longer in use.
Which one should you use?
The different forms have specific nuances. verouderd is used for things that are old-fashioned or out of date, such as technology or fashion. In contrast, achterhaald implies that a concept, theory or argument is no longer valid because it has been superseded or proven wrong by newer information. in onbruik is also an available way to express that something is no longer in use.
Did you know?
- The word achterhaald is derived from the verb achterhalen, which literally means 'to overtake' or 'to catch up with'. This frames an obsolete idea as something that has been physically passed by a faster moving current of thought.
- While verouderd describes something old, Dutch uses the same root for oud to describe 'old' people, but calling a person verouderd would be an insult implying they are an obsolete model.
- The term in onbruik is often used in legal or formal contexts to describe laws that are still on the books but are no longer enforced or observed.
Examples in context
- De technologie in dit apparaat is volledig verouderd.The technology in this device is completely obsolete.
- Die oude telefoons zijn toch helemaal uit de tijd?Those old phones are completely obsolete, aren't they?
- Het idee om een videorecorder te kopen is echt achterhaald.The idea of buying a video recorder is really obsolete.
- Dat systeem is inmiddels achterhaald.That system is obsolete by now.
- Deze software is verouderd.This software is obsolete.
- Dat model is inmiddels verouderd.That model is obsolete by now.
Example conversation
Noah and Sophie are looking at an old computer in an office.
- NoahIs deze computer verouderd?Is this computer obsolete?
- SophieJa, hij is echt verouderd.Yes, it is really obsolete.
- NoahMoeten we hem vervangen?Should we replace it?
- SophieJa, dat is beter voor de zaak.Yes, that is better for the business.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “obsolete” translations and entries verouderd, achterhaald, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries achterhaald, in, onbruik, CC BY-SA 4.0.
