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
Designed for obsolescence, Smarty Pants and his friends — Atlas (Craig Robinson), a talking GPS, and Snappy (Shelby Rabara), a toddler’s first camera — measure their lifespan in months, not years.
—
Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
These characters have been grappling with fears of obsolescence since 1995.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 18 June 2026
Today’s questions come from Ian Bogost’s essay in the July issue of The Atlantic—about the grand history of the Boeing 747 jumbo jet and, now, its final descent into obsolescence.
—Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 18 June 2026
The movies deal with the specter of obsolescence — but also its happy twin, rebirth.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obsolescence
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Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
These characters have been grappling with fears of obsolescence since 1995.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 18 June 2026
Today’s questions come from Ian Bogost’s essay in the July issue of The Atlantic—about the grand history of the Boeing 747 jumbo jet and, now, its final descent into obsolescence.
—Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 18 June 2026
The movies deal with the specter of obsolescence — but also its happy twin, rebirth.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obsolescence
Cite this Entry
“Obsolescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsolescence. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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