superannuated

1 of 2

adjective

su·​per·​an·​nu·​at·​ed ˌsü-pər-ˈan-yə-ˌwā-təd 

1

: outmoded, old-fashioned

superannuated slang

superannuated planes

2

a

: incapacitated or disqualified for active duty by advanced age

b

: older than the typical member of a specified group

a superannuated graduate student

superannuated

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of superannuate

Did you know?

Superannuated was first put to use in English in the 1600s, having been borrowed from Medieval Latin superannuatus, the past participle of "superannuari" ("to be too old")—from Latin super- ("over" or "above") and "annus" ("year"). Shortly thereafter, we made our own verb, "superannuate," from the adjective. Superannuate meant "to retire and pension because of age or infirmity as well as "to declare obsolete," meanings that are still in active service. "Superannuated" can mean "outmoded or old-fashioned," as in "superannuated slang" or "superannuated neckties," or it can simply mean "older than usual."

Synonyms of superannuated

Adjective

• obsolete
• archaic
• antiquated
• medieval
• rusty

Examples of superannuated in a Sentence

Adjective

a periodical that insists on using largely superannuated terms like “editress” and “aviatrix”

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The most unrealistic aspect of this portrayal is that, in 2026, that profile would make Mav not a superannuated flight instructor, but secretary of defense. — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026

Yet León’s superannuated one man revolution does change the world – or at least a little part if it – by changing Cardozo. — John Hopewell, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026

Yet the train of military vehicles that appeared was remarkably tame, a cavalcade of superannuated weapons platforms serving as a reminder of the degree to which the military-industrial complex, glutted with money and pampered by Congress, has run out of new ideas. — Seth Harp, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025

Fixing something old — a battered toy, a superannuated radio, a rickety house — is an act of love and a gesture of faith. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin superannuatus, past participle of superannuari to be too old, from Latin super- + annus year — more at annual

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for superannuated

• abbreviated
• accelerated
• accentuated
• accommodated
• acculturated
• accumulated
• acidulated
• adjudicated
• administrated
• adulterated
• affiliated
• agglomerated

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Kids Definition

superannuated

adjective

su·​per·​an·​nu·​at·​ed

: too old for work or use