obsolescence

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

Updated on: 11 Apr 2018

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

See obsolescence defined for English-language learners

See obsolescence defined for kids

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

The study indicated that Commerce Park's problems included building obsolescence, a need for coordinated parking, and multiple ownership of long and narrow properties, which was not conducive to redevelopment for new uses.

— jeff piorkowski/special to cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Beachwood adds new 'tool' to help attract, retain business; new law director hired," 3 Apr. 2018
Where Trump may be unique, though, is on another metric: in hastening the obsolescence of the State of the Union itself.

— andrew rudalevige, Washington Post, "Could Trump be the president who finishes off the State of the Union address?," 31 Jan. 2018
Its consumers associated obsolescence with authenticity, reviving bygone trades like butchering, woodworking and, yes, hand-painting.

— New York Times, "Hipster Culture and Instagram Are Responsible for a Good Thing," 29 Jan. 2018
And the idea of obsolescence — of the present slipping irretrievably into the past — haunts her recent work.

— holland cotter, New York Times, "Zoe Leonard’s Messages Strike Hard — and Cast a Spell," 8 Mar. 2018
Luckily, obsolescence isn’t a serious problem so far.

— yael grauer, Ars Technica, "A practical guide to microchip implants," 3 Jan. 2018
These changes to the Center Test are part of a larger effort to ensure Japan’s higher-education system responds to modern-day realities—among them the fact that a severe demographic crisis puts it at risk of obsolescence.

— annabelle timsit, The Atlantic, "Overhauling Japan's High-Stakes University-Admission System," 13 Jan. 2018
Functional obsolescence is about modern usage exceeding what the original design intended.

— erik sofge, Popular Mechanics, "Just How Fragile Are America's Bridges?," 28 May 2013
The Hillsboro company has weathered technical obsolescence, strategic missteps and years of unprofitability.

— mike rogoway, OregonLive.com, "Venerable Oregon tech company Planar touts revival under new Chinese owners," 27 Jan. 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.

First Known Use of obsolescence

circa 1832

OBSOLESCENCE Defined for English Language Learners

obsolescence

noun

Definition of obsolescence for English Language Learners

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

Law 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

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obsolescence

Definition of obsolescence

Examples of obsolescence in a Sentence

Recent Examples of obsolescence from the Web

First Known Use of obsolescence

OBSOLESCENCE Defined for English Language Learners

obsolescence

Definition of obsolescence for English Language Learners

Law Dictionary

obsolescence

legal Definition of obsolescence

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obsolescence

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obsolescence

Definition of obsolescence for English Language Learners

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