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

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