obsolescence
ob-suh-LESS-unss
/ˌɒb.səˈles.əns/
The process of becoming obsolete or outdated and no longer used.
Often used in the phrase 'planned obsolescence,' where products are designed to break or become useless.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'ob-' (away) and 'solere' (to be used to). It literally describes the state of moving away from being used to something.
Word relationships
- outdatedness: Outdatedness is simpler; obsolescence is the formal, technical term for the process.
- currency: The state of being commonly used or accepted 'now'.
Commonly confused with
- oblivion: Oblivion is being forgotten; obsolescence is being outmoded.
Word family
- obsolete (adjective): No longer produced or used; out of date.
Collocations
- planned obsolescence
- rapid obsolescence
- built-in obsolescence
Idioms & expressions
- yesterday's news
- on the scrap heap
Example sentences
- "The rapid pace of technology leads to the quick obsolescence of many gadgets." Technology
- "Planned obsolescence is a strategy where a product is designed to have a limited useful life." Economics
Memory hook
Obsolescence sounds like 'Obsolete-sense'—it no longer makes sense to use it. No longer useful.
When not to use
Don't use for things that are simply 'old'; they must be 'useless' because of newer alternatives.
Fun facts
- The lightbulb was one of the first products accused of 'planned obsolescence' in the 1920s.
Related words
Explore more words
ruin, oblivion, atrophy, senescence, degradation, Depreciation
Also appears in
- Business → Innovation & R&D
- Technology → Technological Obsolescence
- Time & History → Decline, Decay & Regression
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency
- Engineering & Industrial Design → Industrial & Product Design
- Economic Theory & Analysis → Consumerism & Materialism
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → E-Waste & Technological Disposal
- Shopping & Consumer Retail → Brand Loyalty & Consumer Trends
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