obsolescence

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noun ob·so·les·cence \ˌäb-sə-ˈle-s^ən(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

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

Svendsen, for his part, fears no obsolescence, no matter what the rule ends up being.

— luke decock, charlotteobserver, "At Rex Hospital Open, pros take aim at range-finger technology – DeCock", 1 June 2017
Three Mile Island will always be famous not as an example of nuclear energy’s economic obsolescence, but of the nuclear industry’s slipshod management practices.

— michael hiltzik, latimes.com, "In another sign of the end of nuclear power, shutdown looms for Three Mile Island", 30 May 2017
Every five years or so, each film needs to be copied to new media, in a constant race against magnetic-tape degradation and drive obsolescence.

— bruce sterling, WIRED, "Dead Media Beat: film", 1 Mar. 2014

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.

Circa 1832

First Known Use of obsolescence

circa 1832

OBSOLESCENCE Defined for English Language Learners

obsolescence

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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

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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 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