obsolescence

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'obsolescence' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the gradual process of becoming out of date or obsolete. For example, "The recent technological advancements have caused the obsolescence of many traditional appliances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Getting more energy from renewables; increased energy efficiency; reducing the income gap; putting more reliable, durable products on the market (have you heard of planned obsolescence?); volunteering more for your community; preserving wetlands, forests, and farmland; shorter commutes and transport routes.

The Guardian

4) A European sharing economy In a packed tent outside the parliament, a film called The Light Bulb Conspiracy is showing, an investigative documentary about planned obsolescence – the engineering of products designed to fail in order to guarantee consumer demand.

The Guardian

As far as trends go, double‑breasted is fashionable again, after decades of obsolescence, and a very slightly more relaxed cut – a softer shoulder, a fractionally longer jacket, trousers fitted but not cut quite so close – has arrived to liberate us all from the excessively buttoned-up, Mad Men-inspired 60s-style suits of the past decade.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet that model may be approaching obsolescence – or at least a hiatus.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stanislav Shushkevich – the politician who hosted the 1991 summit at which Belarus, Ukraine and Russia signed the USSR into obsolescence and paved the way for independence – said a mixture of despotic leaders, KGB-revivalism and Putin's Ukraine interference all remind him of the worst of the Soviet Union.

The Guardian

Soon, the media spotlight will move on and your planned obsolescence (planned by media companies, not by you) will kick in.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, in the absence of effective policy, that's how recovery eventually happens: as Keynes put it, a slump goes on until "the shortage of capital through use, decay and obsolescence" gets firms spending again to replace their plant and equipment.

The New York Times

Alas, this apparently gleaming economy had built-in obsolescence.

The Economist

See also our debate about the obsolescence of retail banking.

The Economist

He states that America is in danger of sliding into "systemic obsolescence", caused by political stalemate at home and misguided engagement abroad in "lonely and draining campaigns" against sometimes "self-generated" enemies, such as Iraq.If American leadership does collapse, what then?

The Economist

But they then resolutely opposed any changes to pay and conditions long after it was obvious that the old model had been consigned to obsolescence, as surely as tail fins, by the new non-union Asian-brand "transplant" factories springing up in the southern states.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing innovation or product cycles, use "obsolescence" to highlight the planned or natural phasing out of older models or technologies. For example, emphasize the need to innovate to avoid "obsolescence" in a competitive market.

Common error

Avoid using "obsolescence" when you mean "obsolete". "Obsolescence" refers to the process of becoming outdated, whereas "obsolete" describes something that is already out of date. For instance, say 'the technology became obsolete' instead of 'the technology went through obsolete'.

Linguistic Context

The term "obsolescence" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the state or process of becoming obsolete. Ludwig AI confirms this, citing examples where it describes the fading of technologies or practices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obsolescence" is a noun that describes the process or state of becoming outdated. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts, primarily in news and media, encyclopedias, and science. It carries a neutral register and is frequently used to discuss technological advancements, economic trends, and the lifecycle of products and systems. Recognizing that "obsolescence" refers to a process is crucial to avoid confusing it with "obsolete", which describes a state. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can use "obsolescence" effectively to convey the dynamic nature of change and innovation. Furthermore, alternatives like "being outdated" or "becoming obsolete" can be employed to introduce variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Process of becoming obsolete

Highlights the transitional nature of losing utility or relevance.

Passing out of use

Indicates a gradual cessation of utilization or practice.

Loss of utility

Focuses on the diminished practical value or usefulness.

State of being outdated

Focuses on the condition of being no longer current or fashionable.

Becoming antiquated

Highlights the archaic or old-fashioned nature of something.

Loss of relevance

Emphasizes the diminished importance or applicability over time.

Gradual decline

Emphasizes a slow deterioration or decrease in effectiveness.

Decreasing functionality

Points to a decline in the ability to perform its intended function.

Technological displacement

Specifically refers to being replaced by newer technology.

Superannuation

Highlights the fact that something is old and no longer efficient or modern.

FAQs

How is "obsolescence" typically used in a sentence?

"Obsolescence" is generally used to describe the process or state of something becoming outdated or no longer in use. For example, "Technological advancements often lead to the obsolescence of older equipment."

What are some words with similar meanings to "obsolescence"?

Alternatives to "obsolescence" include "being outdated", "becoming obsolete", and "loss of relevance". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of something fading from use.

What's the difference between "obsolescence" and "obsolete"?

"Obsolescence" refers to the process of becoming outdated, while "obsolete" describes something that is already out of date. "Obsolescence" is the journey, "obsolete" is the destination.

Is "obsolescence" a positive or negative term?

Whether "obsolescence" is positive or negative depends on the context. In business, planned obsolescence can drive sales, but rapid obsolescence can also lead to waste and consumer dissatisfaction. It's a neutral term that gains its valence from its application.