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

For now, white-collar workers face a stark reality, adapt or risk obsolescence. —Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

That valuation is justified by its reliance on Nvidia chips, which last long, thereby questioning the notion of obsolescence. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2025

Not everything that is priced cheaply qualifies as a distressed asset; there are some whose discount is deserved, such as structural flaws, regulatory problems or market obsolescence. —Arman Harutyunyan, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

The Supreme Court upheld the original law, meaning we’re left with essentially the same options as two months ago: a new owner for TikTok or a ban on the app, which would halt app updates and eventually lead to app obsolescence. —Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2025

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