obsolescence
ob-suh-LESS-uhnss
/ˌɒb.səˈles.əns/
The process of becoming obsolete or falling into disuse.
Often refers to engineered product lifecycles ('planned obsolescence') where goods are intentionally built to fail or become outdated.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'obsolescere' (to fall into disuse, age), from 'ob-' (away) and 'solere' (to be accustomed). When something stops being the custom, it slips into obsolescence.
Word relationships
- outdatedness: Outdatedness describes the state of being old, whereas obsolescence emphasizes the ongoing process of passing out of date.
- durability: Durability means the ability to withstand wear and remain useful over a long time.
Commonly confused with
- oblivion: Oblivion means total forgetfulness or destruction; obsolescence means becoming out of date or replaced.
Word family
- obsolete (adjective): No longer produced or used; out of date.
- obsolescent (adjective): Becoming obsolete.
Collocations
- planned obsolescence
- built-in obsolescence
- technological obsolescence
- rapid obsolescence
Example sentences
- "Built-in planned obsolescence forces consumers to replace their smartphones every few years." Technology Critique
Memory hook
OBSOLETE things suffer OBSOLESCENCE. Slipping out of use.
When not to use
Do not use for temporary broken items that can be easily repaired; it means moving permanently out of date.
Fun facts
- The Phoebus Cartel in 1924 intentionally shortened the lifespan of incandescent lightbulbs to 1,000 hours to guarantee repeat sales.
Related words
Explore more words
ruin, oblivion, atrophy, senescence, degradation, Depreciation
Also appears in
- Business → Innovation & R&D
- Technology → Technological Obsolescence
- Time & History → Innovation, Modernization & Progress
- Time & History → Decline, Decay & Regression
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency
- Engineering & Industrial Design → Industrial & Product Design
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → E-Waste & Technological Disposal
- Shopping & Consumer Retail → Brand Loyalty & Consumer Trends
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.