obsolescence

noun

ob·​so·​les·​cence ˌäb-sə-ˈle-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce obsolescence (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As privacy laws tighten and youth data becomes off-limits, models trained today risk obsolescence tomorrow. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Successive administrations let the old broadcast arms of American government abroad — Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia — slide into well-meaning obsolescence. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2025 Given the agreement’s design, with each country voluntarily setting its own goals, the U.S. never had the power to drive it into obsolescence. Shannon Gibson, The Conversation, 30 July 2025 Every major tech leap, from the printing press to the internet, sparked fears of obsolescence. Trushant Mehta, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obsolescence

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of obsolescence was circa 1832

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Cite this Entry

“Obsolescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsolescence. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

obsolescence

noun
ob·​so·​les·​cence ˌäb-sə-ˈles-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce obsolescence (audio)
: the process of becoming obsolete or the state of being nearly obsolete

Legal Definition

obsolescence

noun
ob·​so·​les·​cence ˌäb-sə-ˈles-ᵊns How to pronounce obsolescence (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on obsolescence

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