Adjective
/kadu̞.ko̞/
The term "caduco" refers to something that has expired, is outdated, or is no longer valid or relevant. It is frequently used in legal contexts to denote agreements, contracts, or rights that have lost their legal effect due to the passage of time. In general usage, it can describe things in various fields, including technology, fashion, and anatomy, where something is no longer effective or in use.
In terms of frequency, "caduco" is used more often in written contexts, such as legal documents, academic texts, and descriptions where precise language is necessary. Although it may appear in oral speech, especially in formal discussions, it is less common in casual conversation.
The copyright for this work is already expired.
Los documentos caduco se deben eliminar del archivo.
The expired documents should be removed from the file.
El contrato que firmamos el año pasado es caduco ahora.
While "caduco" may not be embedded in as many idiomatic expressions traditionally, it can be used figuratively in various scenarios to convey the idea of obsolescence or irrelevance. Here are some used phrases:
The proposal they presented is an outdated idea.
Un sistema caduco - Describing an obsolete system.
The city's infrastructure is an obsolete system that needs to be modernized.
Caduco en el tiempo - Something that has become outdated over time.
The word "caduco" originates from the Latin "caducus," which means "falling" or "that which falls." This relates to the sense of something that has fallen out of usage or validity over time. The root "cad-" in Latin is associated with falling or dropping, which is relevant to the decline of relevance or validity for something described as "caduco."