obsolescence

noun

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

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

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

Comedy writer Nell Scovell’s book Just the Funny Parts grapples from the first page with her thoughts about obsolescence, saying: What are the 4 stages of every Hollywood Writer’s Career Stage 1: Who is Nell Scovell? — Jennifer Wright, Harper's BAZAAR, "Why Can't Men Like Louis C.K. Accept Their Ideas Are Outdated?," 4 Jan. 2019 But even this immense legacy in the scientific world wasn’t enough to guarantee its survival, and this decades-old ice survey would soon teeter on the edge of obsolescence. — Scott Yorko, Popular Mechanics, "Back to Alaska: How a Legendary Glacier Adventure Almost Died When the World Needed It Most," 12 Sep. 2018 The problem is everything else: our busyness, our desire to never repeat an outfit on social media, the psychological and physical obsolescence of fast fashion. — Alden Wicker, Vox, "The spare button represents all the ways we fail to be good consumers," 14 Dec. 2018 The Saudis, Goldwyn said, are also loathe to create economic conditions that would accelerate shifts to electric vehicles, hastening the obsolescence of their primary export. — Clifford Krauss, The Seattle Times, "Saudis issued warnings against U.S. sanctions. But how much leverage do they have?," 16 Oct. 2018 The great crisis for the left today—the source of its angst and hatefulness—is its own encroaching obsolescence. — Shelby Steele, WSJ, "Why the Left Is Consumed With Hate," 23 Sep. 2018 As if succumbing to a technological Stockholm syndrome, even nonfuturists have begun apologizing for the sin of humanity, accepting the superiority of their new robotic overlords, planning their own obsolescence. — Abigail Shrier, WSJ, "Is It ‘Human Error’ When a Robot Fouls Up?," 15 June 2018 The sheriff’s department has come forward with several proposals for cameras, McClure said, but obsolescence and storage were at issue. — Amy Lavalley, Post-Tribune, "Body, vehicle cameras to cost $468k for Porter County police," 19 June 2018 Those with means largely believe that their wealth and education privilege will insulate them from workplace obsolescence. — miamiherald, "Influencers set their priorities for Florida, Floridians," 18 June 2018

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.

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The first known use of obsolescence was circa 1832

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More Definitions for obsolescence

obsolescence

noun

English Language Learners Definition of obsolescence

: the condition of no longer being used or useful : the condition of being obsolete

See the full definition for obsolescence in the English Language Learners Dictionary

obsolescence

noun

ob·so·les·cence | \ ˌäb-sə-ˈles-ᵊns

Legal 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

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