Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):
   • To become obsolete; to fall into disuse or become out of date.

Usage

• This verb describes the by which a word, technology, practice, or object gradually loses its relevance, usefulness, or currency and is no longer used or needed.
• It is often used in technical, academic, or formal contexts to discuss linguistic, technological, or social change.
• It is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. The thing that becomes obsolete is the subject of the sentence.

Examples

• Verb:
  • Many technical terms from the early days of computing have obsolesced.
  • As digital media advances, physical formats like DVDs continue to obsolesce.
  • The law did not obsolesce; it was formally repealed.

Advanced Usage

• The verb is often used in its present participle form (obsolescing) to describe an ongoing process.
  • The company's flagship product is slowly obsolescing in the face of new competition.
• It can be used in passive constructions (though less common) with "being made" or "rendered."
  • Older models are being rapidly obsolesced by new releases.

Variants and Related Words

• Obsolescence (noun): The state or process of becoming obsolete.
  • Planned obsolescence is a common business strategy.
• Obsolescent (adjective): In the process of becoming obsolete.
  • The machinery, while still functional, is considered obsolescent.
• Obsolete (adjective): No longer in use or no longer useful.
  • Floppy disks are now obsolete technology.

Synonyms

• Become outdated
• Fall into disuse
• Become outmoded
• Go out of date

Antonyms

• Endure
• Persist
• Remain current
• Modernize (transitive)

Verb

1. become obsolete, fall into disuse
   • This word has not obsolesced, although it is rarely used