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

Businesses must adapt quickly or face obsolescence. —Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

There are many in the tech world — Satya Nadella, for one — suggesting that major SaaS platforms will face obsolescence because of the increasing maturity of generative AI and agentic applications. —Jason Andersen, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Elisabeth Sparkle, played by Demi Moore, is the aging star fighting her obsolescence, goaded on by Dennis Quaid, an executive inspired by Harvey Weinstein. —E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 18 Feb. 2025

An intelligent and lavishly appointed structure that delays its obsolescence by being liked, or loved, will be less wasteful than a lemon. —Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1832, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing obsolescence

• built-in/planned obsolescence

Rhymes for obsolescence

• acquiescence
• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• evanescence
• incandescence
• inflorescence
• iridescence
• luminescence
• opalescence

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