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

Regarding its naval power, Liao said China has sufficient industrial capacity to replace the losses or obsolescence at a rapid rate. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Rather than letting these spaces fall into obsolescence, innovative solutions are emerging. —Jessica Mendoza, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

With the heat on a light simmer for the three-hour telecast, Glaser managed to deliver the most positively received Globes hosting of recent years, as the show has sought to lift itself out of a history of scandal and near obsolescence. —Julia Jacobs, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025

The visual metaphor mirrors the industry’s relentless obsolescence cycle, a stark reminder of how fame is fleeting and everyone is replaceable. —Robert Lang, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1832, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing obsolescence

• built-in/planned obsolescence

Kids 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