obsolescence
noun
ob·so·les·cence
ˌäb-sə-ˈle-sᵊn(t)s 
: the process of becoming obsolete or the condition of being nearly obsolete
the gradual obsolescence of machinery
reduced to obsolescence
the planned obsolescence of automobiles
Examples of obsolescence in a Sentence
the obsolescence of the old technology
Once a useful tool, slide rules have fallen into obsolescence.
Recent Examples on the Web
American manufacturers are at a crossroads, needing to decide between evolution and obsolescence.
—
Saar Yoskovitz, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
The building, which was opened after Hoover’s death, is already slated for obsolescence; the F.B.I. intends to construct a new headquarters in Greenbelt, Maryland.
—Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2024
Their long list of concerns includes excess weight, short driving range, the aforementioned synthetic driving experience, or fast technical obsolescence and brutal depreciation.
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 Nov. 2024
Williams hadn’t played since the team’s Nov. 7 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but this was a new level of obsolescence for him and a symbol of what Humphrey described as a new level of accountability for a defense that floundered through the first two months of the season.
—Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obsolescence 
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.
Saar Yoskovitz, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
The building, which was opened after Hoover’s death, is already slated for obsolescence; the F.B.I. intends to construct a new headquarters in Greenbelt, Maryland.
—Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2024
Their long list of concerns includes excess weight, short driving range, the aforementioned synthetic driving experience, or fast technical obsolescence and brutal depreciation.
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 Nov. 2024
Williams hadn’t played since the team’s Nov. 7 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but this was a new level of obsolescence for him and a symbol of what Humphrey described as a new level of accountability for a defense that floundered through the first two months of the season.
—Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obsolescence
Dictionary Entries Near obsolescence
Cite this Entry
“Obsolescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsolescence. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
obsolescence
noun
ob·so·les·cence
ˌäb-sə-ˈles-ᵊn(t)s
: the process of becoming obsolete or the state of being nearly obsolete
Legal Definition
obsolescence
noun
ob·so·les·cence
ˌäb-sə-ˈles-ᵊns
: a loss in the utility or value of property that results over time from intrinsic limitations (as outmoded facilities) or external circumstances
Note: Obsolescence is usually distinguished from depreciation and physical deterioration.
—
economic obsolescence
: obsolescence that results from external factors (as location) that render a property obsolete, no longer competitive, unattractive to purchasers or investors, or of decreasing usefulness
claimed that the appraisal failed to account for economic obsolescence resulting from an adjacent waste facility
—
functional obsolescence
\
ˈfəŋk-shə-nəl-
\
: obsolescence deriving from a lack of adequate or appropriate equipment, space, or design
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share