built-in obsolescence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Business, Academic
Quick answer
What does “built-in obsolescence” mean?
A policy or design feature where a product is made to become obsolete or non-functional after a certain period, encouraging the consumer to replace it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A policy or design feature where a product is made to become obsolete or non-functional after a certain period, encouraging the consumer to replace it.
A deliberate strategy of creating goods with a limited useful life, often through the use of non-durable materials, unavailability of spare parts, or rapid technological advancement, to stimulate repeat purchases and continuous consumption. The term is often extended metaphorically to criticize practices in software, services, or systems designed to become outdated or ineffective.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling of related words may follow regional conventions (e.g., 'realise' vs. 'realize'), but the phrase itself is identical.
Connotations
Consistently negative across both varieties, implying planned wastefulness and corporate manipulation of consumers.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British media, but commonly understood and used in American English, especially in business and economics contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “built-in obsolescence” in a Sentence
NP [of built-in obsolescence]V [built-in obsolescence] as NPV [against/on/for] built-in obsolescenceADJ [built-in obsolescence]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “built-in obsolescence” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Manufacturers are often accused of building obsolescence into their products.
- The new regulations aim to stop companies from building in obsolescence.
American English
- Critics say the industry deliberately builds obsolescence into devices.
- They were found to be building in obsolescence to drive sales.
adverb
British English
- The product was designed obsolescently from the outset.
American English
- The system was obsolescently engineered to fail after five years.
adjective
British English
- The built-in obsolescence model is unsustainable.
- We need to move away from a built-in obsolescence economy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Critically discussed in corporate strategy, supply chain management, and marketing ethics. E.g., 'The company's profitability was criticised for relying on built-in obsolescence.'
Academic
Analysed in economics, environmental studies, sociology, and design theory. E.g., 'The paper examines the historical development of built-in obsolescence in post-war consumer capitalism.'
Everyday
Used by consumers complaining about products breaking soon after the warranty expires. E.g., 'This phone's battery is useless after a year – it's pure built-in obsolescence.'
Technical
Referenced in engineering, industrial design, and electronics regarding component selection and lifecycle planning. E.g., 'The use of proprietary, non-replaceable parts is a classic technique for achieving built-in obsolescence.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “built-in obsolescence”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “built-in obsolescence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “built-in obsolescence”
- Misspelling as 'built-in obsolesence' (missing 'c').
- Using it as an adjective without a noun (e.g., 'The phone is built-in obsolescence.' Correct: 'The phone has/suffers from built-in obsolescence.' or 'It's a case of built-in obsolescence.').
- Confusing with 'wear and tear', which is natural deterioration.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not universally illegal, but it is increasingly regulated. Some countries have introduced 'right to repair' laws and requirements for product durability to combat the practice. It often exists in a legal grey area concerning consumer protection.
They are largely synonymous and used interchangeably. 'Planned obsolescence' is the broader, more common term. 'Built-in obsolescence' can sometimes more specifically imply the obsolescence is a physical design feature (e.g., a non-replaceable battery), whereas 'planned' can include softer methods like discontinuing software support.
Yes, absolutely. This is often called 'software obsolescence'. Examples include operating systems that stop receiving security updates, apps that are no longer compatible with new devices, or services that are deliberately shut down to push users to a new version or product.
A product designed for durability, repairability, and longevity. Brands that promote a 'buy it for life' philosophy or modular electronics where components can be easily upgraded or replaced are operating in opposition to the built-in obsolescence model.
A policy or design feature where a product is made to become obsolete or non-functional after a certain period, encouraging the consumer to replace it.
Built-in obsolescence is usually formal, business, academic in register.
Built-in obsolescence: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɪlt ɪn ˌɒbsəˈlɛsns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɪlt ɪn ˌɑːbsəˈlɛsns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Designed for the dump”
- “Born to die”
- “A throwaway culture”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a product that's 'built-IN' to become 'obsolete' – the planned failure is INside its very design from the start.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRODUCTS ARE DISPOSABLE / CONSUMPTION IS A CYCLE (vicious circle) / CORPORATIONS ARE DECEIVERS
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary criticism of 'built-in obsolescence'?