out-of-date
/ˌaʊt əv ˈdeɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌaʊt əv ˈdeɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌau̇t-ə(v)-ˈdāt/ (ame, mw)
out-of-date — adjective
1. used for clothes, colors, or designs that belong to an earlier period and no lon
used for clothes, colors, or designs that belong to an earlier period and no longer look stylish today.
Talia refused to wear the out-of-date jacket to the school concert.
out-of-date + clothes
The living room looked out-of-date after Jiwoo changed the curtains downstairs.
look + out-of-date
Christopher said the shop's orange logo feels out-of-date beside newer brands.
Even the wedding colors seemed out-of-date in the faded hotel hall.
- old-fashioned
very close, but it can sometimes sound warmer or less critical
- dated
often used for style, design, or language that clearly belongs to an earlier period
- unfashionable
focuses only on not matching current fashion
- fashionable
matching what people like to wear or use now
- stylish
attractive in a modern or well-chosen way
- modern
showing a present-day style rather than an old one
文法句型
out-of-date + clothes/style/design
look/seem + out-of-date
用法筆記
This sense is most natural for appearance, design, and taste. It can describe a room or a logo as well as clothes, as long as the point is that the style now looks old to people.
常見錯誤
2. used for facts, lists, or records that have not been updated, so some details ar
used for facts, lists, or records that have not been updated, so some details are no longer right.
Defne noticed the out-of-date bus map still showed last year's route.
out-of-date + map or record
Our class website was out-of-date, so the exam room number was wrong.
be out-of-date
Mark crossed out the out-of-date prices on the cafe menu board.
The nurse warned that this leaflet is out-of-date after the new policy.
- updated
brought up to the latest version or facts
- current
correct for the present time
- up-to-date
including the newest information available
文法句型
out-of-date + information/record/map
be + out-of-date
用法筆記
This sense usually goes with information sources such as maps, websites, records, schedules, or lists. It stresses that the age of the information can make it incorrect or misleading now.
常見錯誤
3. used for rules, systems, or equipment that have fallen behind newer ways and do
used for rules, systems, or equipment that have fallen behind newer ways and do not fit present needs well.
The factory's out-of-date alarm system failed during the practice drill.
out-of-date + system
Quan thinks the club's cash-only rule is out-of-date for students.
out-of-date + rule
Many parents say the homework policy looks out-of-date in online classes.
The museum replaced its out-of-date ticket machine before the holiday weekend.
- outdated
the nearest everyday synonym, especially for methods, rules, and systems
- obsolete
stronger and more formal, often suggesting a clear replacement already exists
- antiquated
more negative and often used when something feels awkwardly behind the times
- modern
designed for present-day needs or taste
- current
still suitable or accepted now
- up-to-date
fully matching the latest needs, facts, or standards
文法句型
out-of-date + rule/system/method
be/look + out-of-date
用法筆記
Often used for something that still exists but should probably be changed because life, technology, or public expectations have moved on. It often sounds more critical than sense 1, which is mainly about appearance.
常見錯誤
4. used for food that has passed the date when it should be eaten and may no longer
used for food that has passed the date when it should be eaten and may no longer be safe.
Tara threw away the out-of-date yogurt from the office fridge.
out-of-date + food item
The soup was out-of-date, so Tendai bought sandwiches instead.
be out-of-date for food
Nellie checked whether the out-of-date milk had already been opened.
A warning label marked the out-of-date salad in the bakery cooler.
文法句型
out-of-date + food
be + out-of-date
用法筆記
This sense is for food and drink. In shops, packaging often says 'expired' or shows a date, but in everyday speech people also say food is out-of-date when they think it should not be eaten.