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Synonyms

obsolescence

American  
[ob-suh-les-uhns] / ˌɒb səˈlɛs əns /

noun

  1. the state, process, or condition of being or becoming obsolete.

obsolescence Cultural  

  1. A decline in the value of equipment or of a product brought about by an introduction of new technology or by changes in demand. (See planned obsolescence.)

Etymology

Origin of obsolescence

First recorded in 1820–30; obsolesc(ent) + -ence

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But a funny thing—socioculturally—happened on Mazda’s way to obsolescence.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investors are shifting to “HALO” firms, valuing heavy assets and low obsolescence over software due to AI threats like ChatGPT.

From Barron's

“We continue to believe that a rising tide will lift all boats in mining due to demand for hard assets with low risk of obsolescence,” says LaFemina.

From The Wall Street Journal

These existing programs are aging and facing obsolescence given China’s investments.

From The Wall Street Journal

Reality will be a third scenario: paced obsolescence and growth.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.