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obsolescence

ob-suh-LES-uhns /ˌɒbsəˈlɛsəns/

nounC1GREGMATCATUPSC

academicprofessionaleconomic

The state, process, or condition of being or becoming obsolete, outmoded, or no longer useful.

Often paired with 'planned,' referring to the deliberate design of products to wear out or become outdated quickly to encourage replacement.

The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin verb 'obsolescere', meaning 'to wear out, fall into disuse,' which combines 'ob-' (away) and 'solere' (to be accustomed). It entered English in the early 20th century, gaining widespread cultural attention in the 1950s with the rise of consumerism and planned obsolescence.

Word relationships

outmodedness: Outmodedness refers specifically to being out of style, while obsolescence can refer to functional, technological, or stylistic uselessness.
uselessness: Uselessness is a general lack of utility, whereas obsolescence implies a transition from being useful to being outdated.

durability: The ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over a long period.
timelessness: The quality of remaining relevant, useful, and beautiful indefinitely.

Commonly confused with

obsolescent: Obsolescent is the adjective describing something in the process of becoming obsolete, while obsolescence is the noun representing the state or process itself.

Word family

obsolete (adjective): No longer produced or used; out of date.
obsolescent (adjective): Becoming obsolete.

Collocations

planned obsolescence
technological obsolescence
built-in obsolescence
risk of obsolescence

Example sentences

"Industrial designers must fight against planned obsolescence by creating modular products that are easy to repair and upgrade." Environmental design essay
"The rapid pace of microchip development inevitably dooms older computers to technological obsolescence." Technology history

Memory hook

Think of 'obsolete-essence'—the very essence of a product that is designed to become obsolete. Obsolescence is the path to becoming obsolete.

When not to use

Do not use to describe temporary unavailability or a product that is simply broken but still modern.

Fun facts

The Phoebus cartel, formed in 1924, is famous for practicing planned obsolescence by colluding to limit the lifespan of incandescent light bulbs to 1,000 hours.