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
Communication is difficult because wars or obsolescence have knocked out GPS.
—
Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 24 Mar. 2024
To step inside the Olympic printing plant is to step inside a time capsule enshrining a 19th century product manufactured with 20th century technology and poised for 21st century obsolescence.
—Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obsolescence 
Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 24 Mar. 2024
To step inside the Olympic printing plant is to step inside a time capsule enshrining a 19th century product manufactured with 20th century technology and poised for 21st century obsolescence.
—Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obsolescence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obsolescence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near obsolescence
Cite this Entry
“Obsolescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsolescence. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.
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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