obsolescence

noun

ob·​so·​les·​cence ˌäb-sə-ˈle-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce obsolescence (audio)
Synonyms of obsolescence
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That same month, the Roundhill HALO ETF, which focuses on high-asset, low-obsolescence stocks as a diversification strategy from AI, purchased shares of Casey’s, marking the fund’s sole convenience store investment. — Norah Rami, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 One of the biggest bear cases around the AI trade has been technological obsolescence — the idea that Nvidia's graphics processing units (GPUs) and other AI chips may have much shorter useful lives than operators assume. — CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026 Collins will support the Army in tackling those obsolescence issues across the Chinook fleet. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026 The White Worm, who styled herself as a peacetime consigliere, is reduced to obsolescence by the promise of all-out war. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obsolescence

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of obsolescence was circa 1832

Phrases Containing obsolescence

Rhymes for obsolescence

See All Rhymes for obsolescence

Browse Nearby Words

obsolesce
obsolescence
obsolescent
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obsolescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsolescence. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

obsolescence

noun
ob·​so·​les·​cence ˌäb-sə-ˈles-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce obsolescence (audio)
: the process of becoming obsolete or the state of being nearly obsolete

Legal Definition

obsolescence

noun
ob·​so·​les·​cence ˌäb-sə-ˈles-ᵊns How to pronounce obsolescence (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on obsolescence

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for obsolescence

Nglish: Translation of obsolescence for Spanish Speakers

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