устаре́вший
ustarévšij
The English word obsolete is translated into Russian as устаре́вший (ustarévšij).
The term is used to describe something that is no longer in use or has become outdated. It is important to distinguish устаре́вший from ста́рый, which is the general word for 'old' referring to physical age or condition. While ста́рый means old, устаре́вший specifically implies a loss of relevance or being out of date.
Meaning: no longer in use (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
устаре́вший is a past passive participle derived from the verb устаре́ть, which means to become old or outdated.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, устаре́вший must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form устаре́вшая for feminine nouns like модель (model), the neuter form устаре́вшее for neuter nouns like оборудование (equipment) and the plural form устаре́вшие for multiple items regardless of their gender.
How do you pronounce it?
ustarévšij
Did you know?
- While устаре́вший describes something obsolete, Russians often use the word диноза́вр ('dinosaur') as slang for a person whose professional methods or ideas are no longer relevant.
- To describe a fashion trend that is obsolete, Russians might avoid устаре́вший and instead use the word мо́дный ('fashionable') in the negative to say it is no longer in style.
- In a modern professional or technical setting, Russians may prefer the word неактуа́льный over устаре́вший to describe information that is obsolete because it is no longer current.
Examples in context
- Эта технология уже устаревшая.This technology is already obsolete.
- Его мнение было устаревшим.His opinion was obsolete.
- Этот исторический памятник является настоящим пережитком прошлого.This historical monument is a true relic of the past.
- Эта традиция стала пережитком прошлого.This tradition has become a relic of the past.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “obsolete” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
