built-in/planned obsolescence

noun

: the practice of making or designing something (such as a car) in such a way that it will only be usable for a short time so that people will have to buy another one

Examples of built-in/planned obsolescence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The ultimate goal should be total energy independence and the eventual planned obsolescence of the entire energy grid. Eric MacK, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024 Critics allege that smartphone makers are the latest to follow the trend of planned obsolescence, or the claim that manufacturers deliberately design their products with a short shelf life to encourage consumers to buy the latest model. Lionel Lim, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2023 In the digital age of planned obsolescence, that’s very significant. Kevin Leblanc, ELLE, 14 Feb. 2023 At the same time, there is a need to end the planned obsolescence of products, lengthen their lifespans and reduce the purchasing power of the rich. James Freeman, WSJ, 15 Dec. 2022 But designing products to stop functioning, also known as planned obsolescence, is a big no-no for green tech. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 29 Nov. 2022 The fashion industry’s business model is one based upon planned obsolescence. Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 5 July 2022 Other right-to-repair supporters agree that Microsoft's decision is a step in the right direction for larger conversations about device repairability and a move away from planned obsolescence. Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 12 Oct. 2021 Last month, a French consumer group filed a complaint, too, alleging planned obsolescence. Cecilia D'anastasio, Wired, 5 Oct. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'built-in/planned obsolescence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near built-in/planned obsolescence

built-in

built-in/planned obsolescence

built-up

Cite this Entry

“Built-in/planned obsolescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/built-in%2Fplanned%20obsolescence. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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