Definition

Noun: - The process of becoming obsolete; falling into disuse or becoming out of date: The state or process of being no longer used, needed, or current, often because something newer and better has replaced it.

Usage

The word "obsolescence" describes a gradual process or condition. It is most commonly used in technical, economic, and business contexts to discuss products, technologies, or skills. It is often modified by adjectives to specify the type, such as "planned obsolescence" or "technological obsolescence."

Examples

• Noun:
  • The rapid pace of technological change leads to the obsolescence of electronic devices within just a few years.
  • The company's strategy includes planned obsolescence, designing products to become outdated quickly.
  • Many skills face obsolescence unless workers continually engage in retraining.

Advanced Usage

• "Built-in obsolescence": A synonym for "planned obsolescence," referring to products designed with a limited useful life to encourage replacement.

  • Critics argue that built-in obsolescence is wasteful and harmful to the environment.

• "Functional obsolescence": (Often in real estate or product design) A loss of value or usefulness due to an outdated design feature that cannot be easily changed.

  • The house's value suffered from functional obsolescence due to its single bathroom.

Variants and Related Words

• Obsolescent (adj): Becoming obsolete; in the process of passing out of use.

  • The software is now considered obsolescent and will no longer receive updates.

• Obsolete (adj): No longer produced or used; out of date.

  • Floppy disks are obsolete technology.

Synonyms

• Outdatedness: The quality of being out of date.
• Desuetude: A state of disuse.

Antonyms

• Currency: The state of being current or up-to-date.
• Modernity: The quality of being modern or contemporary.

Noun

1. the process of becoming obsolete; falling into disuse or becoming out of date
   • a policy of planned obsolescence