obsolescence

noun

ob·​so·​les·​cence ˌäb-sə-ˈle-sᵊn(t)s 

: 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

Examples of obsolescence in a Sentence

the obsolescence of the old technology

Once a useful tool, slide rules have fallen into obsolescence.

Recent Examples on the Web

Vacancy rates are rising most dramatically in Baltimore’s traditional business district, but the phenomenon is looming in other parts of the city and the suburbs, reflecting national trends as work habits shift and aging buildings teeter on obsolescence. —Lorraine Mirabella, Baltimore Sun, 12 July 2024

In all cases, incumbents who didn’t adapt faced potential obsolescence. —Will Daniel, Fortune, 9 July 2024

That, along with the rollback of DEI programs, may explain why survey participants targeted chief diversity officers for obsolescence. —Alena Botros, Fortune, 21 June 2024

Now these two are just a couple of aging guys, reckoning with obsolescence, which eventually comes for us all. —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 13 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1832, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing obsolescence

• built-in/planned obsolescence

Kids Definition

obsolescence

noun

ob·​so·​les·​cence ˌäb-sə-ˈles-ᵊn(t)s 

: the process of becoming obsolete or the state of being nearly obsolete

Legal Definition

obsolescence

noun

ob·​so·​les·​cence ˌäb-sə-ˈles-ᵊns 

: a loss in the utility or value of property that results over time from intrinsic limitations (as outmoded facilities) or external circumstances

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