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

The film industry that includes Chalamet is doing little more than confirming and solidifying its own obsolescence. —Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2026

That feeling of obsolescence comes to a head when a half-dozen former students lodge complaints of inappropriate behavior against John. —Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026

All-American obsolescence To love Pluto is to also love Flagstaff – a charming town of old brick buildings and cozy gathering spaces, full of college kids and old hippies, surrounded by mountain peaks and outdoor recreation. —David Allan, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026

Works engaging centuries-deep material practices operate under different temporal physics than contemporary art calibrated to obsolescence. —Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1832, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing obsolescence

• built-in/planned obsolescence

Rhymes for obsolescence

• acquiescence
• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• evanescence
• incandescence
• inflorescence
• iridescence
• luminescence
• opalescence

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