superannuated

adjective

su·​per·​an·​nu·​at·​ed ˌsü-pər-ˈan-yə-ˌwā-təd How to pronounce superannuated (audio)
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

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."

Examples of superannuated in a Sentence

a periodical that insists on using largely superannuated terms like “editress” and “aviatrix”
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 But remember this is a superannuated, octogenarian leader who has just endured years of popular unrest and rising conflict with Israel, and 24 hours ago saw a surprisingly moderate president, Masoud Pezeshkian, get sworn in. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 31 July 2024 Voters hungry for a superannuated boomer president still have that option. David Von Drehle, Washington Post, 21 July 2024 End of carousel Gwen, the more aggrieved of the pair, is sharp enough to recognize that this scandal threatens not only the superannuated career of their boss’s boss — appropriately named Frank — but also the credibility of their entire enterprise. Chris Klimek, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for superannuated 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of superannuated was circa 1634

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near superannuated

Cite this Entry

“Superannuated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superannuated. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

superannuated

adjective
su·​per·​an·​nu·​at·​ed
: too old for work or use
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!