Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'obsolete'

English Word: obsolete

Key Russian Translations:

• устаревший [ʊstɐˈrʲevʂɨj] - [Formal, Adjective, Used in contexts like technology, history, or formal writing]
• устарелый [ʊstɐˈrʲelɨj] - [Informal, Less common, Used in everyday speech for outdated items]

Frequency: Medium - This word and its translations are encountered in specialized contexts like technology, history, or academic discussions, but not in daily casual conversation.

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) - Requires understanding of Russian adjectives and their inflections; for 'устаревший', it's B2, while 'устарелый' might be A2 for basic forms but B1 overall due to contextual usage.

Pronunciation (Russian):

устаревший: [ʊstɐˈrʲevʂɨj]

устарелый: [ʊstɐˈrʲelɨj]

Note on устаревший: The 'ш' sound ([ʂ]) can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 'sh' in 'she' but more guttural. Pronounce with stress on the third syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: No longer in use; outdated, especially in technology, ideas, or equipment.

Translation(s) & Context:

• устаревший - Typically used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing obsolete software or historical artifacts.
• устарелый - More informal, often in everyday situations like talking about old gadgets.

Usage Examples:

• Эта технология устаревшая и не поддерживается больше.

  This technology is obsolete and no longer supported.

• В музее выставлены устаревшие модели автомобилей.

  In the museum, there are obsolete models of cars on display.

• Его идеи устарелые, поэтому они не подходят для современного бизнеса.

  His ideas are obsolete, so they don't fit modern business.

• Устаревший подход к образованию может тормозить прогресс.

  An obsolete approach to education can hinder progress.

• Мой телефон устарелый, но я всё равно им пользуюсь.

  My phone is obsolete, but I still use it.

Meaning: Out of date in terms of relevance or fashion (less common usage).

Translation(s) & Context:

• устаревший - Used when discussing cultural or social trends that have lost relevance.

Usage Examples:

• Этот стиль одежды устаревший, но некоторые люди его любят.

  This clothing style is obsolete, but some people still like it.

• Устаревшие обычаи иногда сохраняются в сельских районах.

  Obsolete customs are sometimes preserved in rural areas.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'устаревший' and 'устарелый' are adjectives in Russian, which means they inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow regular patterns but can have irregularities in certain forms.

For 'устаревший' (more formal):

For 'устарелый', it follows a similar pattern but is less commonly used in writing. Note: These are regular adjective inflections; no major irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • старый (old) - More general, often interchangeable in informal contexts.
  • устаревший вариант (outdated version) - Emphasizes obsolescence in specific scenarios.
• Antonyms:
  • современный (modern) - Used for up-to-date items; fine for formal and informal contexts.
  • новый (new) - Simple opposite, especially in everyday language.

Related Phrases:

• устаревшая технология - An obsolete technology; refers to outdated gadgets or systems.
• устарелый подход - An obsolete approach; used in discussions about outdated methods in business or education.
• стать устаревшим - To become obsolete; a common phrase for describing the process of something losing relevance.

Usage Notes:

'Устаревший' directly corresponds to 'obsolete' in formal English contexts, such as technology or history, and is preferred in written Russian. 'Устарелый' is a more casual equivalent but may imply something merely old rather than functionally outdated. Always consider the gender, number, and case when using these adjectives in sentences. For English learners, choose 'устаревший' for precise translations and 'устарелый' in spoken language to sound more natural. Be mindful of context: in Russian, these words often appear in discussions about innovation versus tradition.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'устаревший' as an invariant word without inflection. Correct: In Russian, adjectives must agree with the noun (e.g., wrong: "устаревший машина"; right: "устаревшая машина" for feminine noun). Explanation: This confuses English speakers who don't inflect adjectives, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing with 'старый' (old), assuming they mean the same. Correct: 'Устаревший' implies functional obsolescence, while 'старый' just means aged. Example: Wrong: "Мой старый компьютер не работает" (if emphasizing obsolescence); Right: "Мой устаревший компьютер не работает".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'устаревший' often reflect attitudes toward rapid technological change, especially in post-Soviet contexts where older systems (e.g., Soviet-era machinery) are still in use. This can evoke nostalgia or criticism of progress, highlighting Russia's blend of tradition and modernity.

Related Concepts:

• современный
• инновационный
• технологический прогресс