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obsolescence

ob-suh-LEH-sens /ˌɒbsəˈlɛsns/

nounC1GRESATGMAT

AcademicBusinessEconomic

The process of becoming outdated or no longer used, often intentionally designed into a product.

While it can happen naturally as technology advances, in environmental contexts, it often refers to 'planned obsolescence,' where manufacturers deliberately limit a product's lifespan.

The story behind the word. The word comes from the Latin 'obsolescere,' meaning 'to wear out' or 'fall into disuse.' It combines 'ob-' (away) and 'solere' (to be used to), literally describing the state of moving away from being used. In the 20th century, it became a central term in economics to describe how products are designed to fail.

Word relationships

outdatedness: A more general term for being old-fashioned, whereas obsolescence is the process of becoming so.

durability: The ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over a long period.

Commonly confused with

antiquity: Antiquity refers to the ancient past, while obsolescence refers to the state of being no longer useful.

Word family

obsolete (adjective): No longer produced or used; out of date.
obsolesce (verb): To become obsolete.

Collocations

planned obsolescence
rapid obsolescence
functional obsolescence

Idioms & expressions

built-in obsolescence

Example sentences

"Planned obsolescence is a business strategy in which the obsolescence of a product is planned and built into it from its conception." Economic theory on consumerism.
"The rapid obsolescence of smartphones has led to a massive increase in global electronic waste." Technology industry trends.

Memory hook

Think of 'obsolete' as 'old-soul-essence'—the essence of something that has become an old soul and is ready to retire. Outdated by design.

When not to use

Do not use it to describe something that is simply old but still functional; it implies a loss of utility or relevance.

Fun facts

The Phoebus cartel in the 1920s was one of the first to implement planned obsolescence by limiting the lifespan of lightbulbs to 1,000 hours.