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 those facing obsolescence, the toll is both economic and personal.
—
Wayne Liu, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
But a more pressing fear might be that in the shadow of AI, human beings are preparing their own obsolescence in advance, producing and consuming more and more creative work that seems algorithmic rather than inspired, accepting in blockbuster movies and ...
—Ross Douthat, National Review, 24 July 2025
The rise of online shopping and streaming services has plunged GameStop’s brick-and-mortar business into relative obsolescence over the the past decade.
—Niamh Rowe, Quartz, 28 May 2025
What’s faster, the speed of AI or the speed of obsolescence?
—Brian Solis, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for obsolescence
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Wayne Liu, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
But a more pressing fear might be that in the shadow of AI, human beings are preparing their own obsolescence in advance, producing and consuming more and more creative work that seems algorithmic rather than inspired, accepting in blockbuster movies and ...
—Ross Douthat, National Review, 24 July 2025
The rise of online shopping and streaming services has plunged GameStop’s brick-and-mortar business into relative obsolescence over the the past decade.
—Niamh Rowe, Quartz, 28 May 2025
What’s faster, the speed of AI or the speed of obsolescence?
—Brian Solis, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for obsolescence
Cite this Entry
“Obsolescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsolescence. Accessed 10 Aug. 2025.
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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