Definition of obsolescence
: the process of becoming obsolete or the condition of being nearly obsolete the gradual obsolescence of machinery reduced to obsolescence the planned obsolescence of automobiles
From the M-W Editors
Examples of obsolescence in a Sentence
the obsolescence of the old technology
Once a useful tool, slide rules have fallen into obsolescence.
Recent Examples of obsolescence from the Web
-
Although the House of Representatives used the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to vote those rules into obsolescence, the Senate refused to follow suit, making the Interior Department methane rules the only rules that withstood a slew of CRA motions.
-
For one, their refillable design is the antithesis to the plastic ballpoint’s planned obsolescence.
-
Its near-obsolescence as a tactile medium adds a further historical and emotional charge.
-
The bickering threatens to divide the currency into two competing versions of Bitcoin—or condemn it to obsolescence.
-
The movie’s subject becomes Lightning’s age and obsolescence, to a point that may alienate younger viewers.
-
Perhaps art that deteriorates almost as soon as its made evokes the emotional frailty we, as viewers, experience in a world of constant obsolescence.
-
TODAY’S REMINDER OF OUR PENDING OBSOLESCENCEPricewaterhouseCoopers released its 18th annual Global Entertainment and Media Outlook study today, a five-year economic forecast for the industry.
-
Svendsen, for his part, fears no obsolescence, no matter what the rule ends up being.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'obsolescence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of obsolescence
circa 1832
OBSOLESCENCE Defined for English Language Learners
obsolescence
playDefinition of obsolescence for English Language Learners
-
: the condition of no longer being used or useful : the condition of being obsolete
Law Dictionary
obsolescence
playLegal Definition of obsolescence
: a loss in the utility or value of property that results over time from intrinsic limitations (as outmoded facilities) or external circumstances Editor's note: Obsolescence is usually distinguished from depreciation and physical deterioration. economic obsolescence : obsolescence that results from external factors (as location) that render a property obsolete, no longer competitive, unattractive to purchasers or investors, or of decreasing usefulness claimed that the appraisal failed to account for economic obsolescence resulting from an adjacent waste facility functional obsolescence \ˈfəŋk-shə-nəl-\ : obsolescence deriving from a lack of adequate or appropriate equipment, space, or design
Learn More about obsolescence
-
Spanish Central: Translation of obsolescence Nglish: Translation of obsolescence for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of obsolescence for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up obsolescence? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!