Word
obsolescence
Phoneticsob·so·les·cence, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɑbsəˈɫɛsəns/
UK/ˌɒbsəlˈɛsəns/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the process of becoming old and no longer useful, because something newer and better exists.
n. the process by which something becomes outdated and falls out of use, typically through replacement by newer technology or practices.
Examples
“New phones cause rapid obsolescence of old models.”
“The company updates its software yearly to avoid obsolescence and keep customers safe.”
“Planned obsolescence in consumer electronics raises ethical questions, as manufacturers design products with limited lifespans to drive repeated purchases.”
Examples
simple
“New phones cause rapid obsolescence of old models.”
contextual
“The company updates its software yearly to avoid obsolescence and keep customers safe.”
complex
“Planned obsolescence in consumer electronics raises ethical questions, as manufacturers design products with limited lifespans to drive repeated purchases.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “obsolescence” in context.
Verb
01. accelerate obsolescence
“Constant software updates can accelerate obsolescence of older devices.”
verb + noun
02. condemn to obsolescence
“Refusing to adopt digital tools will condemn the business to obsolescence.”
verb + prep + noun
03. delay obsolescence
“Regular maintenance can delay obsolescence and extend a machine's lifespan.”
verb + noun
04. face obsolescence
“Traditional print media now faces obsolescence in the digital age.”
verb + noun
05. obsolescence looms
“As AI advances, obsolescence looms over many routine office jobs.”
noun + verb
06. obsolescence threatens
“Obsolescence threatens any company that fails to innovate quickly.”
noun + verb
Adjective
07. inevitable obsolescence
“Managers must plan for the inevitable obsolescence of current systems.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. cycle of obsolescence
“Fashion brands depend on a rapid cycle of obsolescence to drive sales.”
noun + prep + noun
09. fear of obsolescence
“Workers retrain to avoid the fear of obsolescence in their careers.”
noun + prep + noun
10. delay the onset of obsolescence
“Upgradable parts can delay the onset of obsolescence.”
11. designed for planned obsolescence
“Critics argue these printers are designed for planned obsolescence.”
12. face the threat of obsolescence
“Coal plants face the threat of obsolescence as renewables expand.”
Real-World Examples
“The aim was to determine if manufacturers deliberately reduce the lifespan of their products to enhance sales—a concept commonly referred to as planned obsolescence.” Etymology
From Latin obsolēscēns present participle of obsolēscere.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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