orphaned
UK: ˈɔːfənd | US: ˈɔːrfənd
adj. deprived of parents or guardians
adj. (of software, data, etc.) abandoned by its original creator or maintainer
The word "orphaned" derives from "orphan," which traces back to the Greek "orphanos" (bereaved, parentless), via Latin "orphanus." The suffix "-ed" is added to form the adjective, indicating a state of being. Originally describing children without parents, its usage expanded metaphorically to objects (e.g., software) abandoned by their creators, reflecting the same sense of loss or lack of support.
The orphaned boy was adopted by a loving family.
After the company shut down, the project became orphaned software.
She volunteers at a shelter for orphaned animals.
The museum preserves orphaned artworks with no known creators.
Orphaned data files often become corrupted over time.