'obsolete' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'obsolētus,' where 'ob-' meant 'away' and 'solēre' meant 'to be accustomed.'

'obsolētus' transformed into the French word 'obsolète,' and eventually became the modern English word 'obsolete' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'worn out or no longer in use,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.