How to Pronounce Obsolete

To pronounce "obsolete", say OBS-ol-et-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ˈɒbsəliːt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

obsolete

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Accent

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Speed

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈɒbsəliːt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “obsolete”

"obsolete" has 4 syllables: obs-ol-et-e. It rhymes with conceit and sweet, if that helps it stick.

What does obsolete mean?

adjective

(of words, equipment, etc.) No longer in use; gone into disuse; disused or neglected (often by preference for something newer, which replaces the subject).
“It is speculated that, within a few years, the Internet's speedy delivery of news worldwide will make newspapers obsolete.”
Imperfectly developed; not very distinct.

Synonyms

abortive obscure rudimental antiquated deprecated disused

Hear “obsolete” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with obsolete

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

conceit sweet replete effete complete concrete bittersweet heat deceit retreat beat discreet

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "obsolete"?▾

"Obsolete" has 4 syllables: obs · ol · et · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "obsolete"?▾

The IPA transcription of "obsolete" is /ˈɒbsəliːt/.

What does "obsolete" mean?▾

Obsolete: (of words, equipment, etc.) No longer in use; gone into disuse; disused or neglected (often by preference for something newer, which replaces the subject).

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