Inclusify.uk

An 'orphaned' IT asset describes an item which does not have a registered human owner e.g. an account, application, shared drive etc. In typesetting terms, Orphan is the opening line of a paragraph left by itself at the bottom of a page or column. See also 'Widow'.

Why it matters

Using an ungendered parental framework as a simile for ownership of technical assets is not in and of itself problematic when used in a positive sense. Though it is unnecessary to use it in a negative one where it may cause upset e.g. orphaned; childless (see also: grandfathered). Specifically, this can trigger unwarranted personal memories of trauma and upsetting situations.

Instead try saying: