obsolescence
C1-C2Formal, academic, technical, business
Definition
Meaning
The process or state of falling into disuse or becoming outdated.
A loss of currency or relevance, often as a result of technological or social change; the condition of being obsolete. Can also refer to a deliberate strategy (planned obsolescence).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term describes a process (gradual fading from use) or a state (the condition of being obsolete). It implies replacement by something newer or more efficient, not merely age.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or spelling. Both varieties use the term identically.
Connotations
Neutral, technical, or critical depending on context (e.g., natural vs. planned obsolescence).
Frequency
Slightly more common in US business/tech contexts, but widely used in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NOUN] of obsolescenceobsolescence of [NOUN][ADJECTIVE] obsolescenceVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the road to obsolescence”
- “a victim of obsolescence”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Companies must manage the obsolescence of inventory and technology.
Academic
The paper examines the planned obsolescence of consumer electronics.
Everyday
That old software is heading for obsolescence.
Technical
The component's obsolescence status is marked as 'not recommended for new designs'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The manufacturer deliberately obsolesces its models every two years.
- Technologies can become obsolesced rapidly.
American English
- They designed the product to obsolesce quickly.
- Software is often obsolesced by newer versions.
adverb
British English
- The technology faded obsolescently from the market.
- (Rare usage)
American English
- The system failed, having been designed obsolescently.
- (Rare usage)
adjective
British English
- The obsolescent machinery was due for replacement.
- We're phasing out obsolescent practices.
American English
- The factory uses obsolescent production methods.
- An obsolescent policy remains on the books.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My phone is old, but not yet in obsolescence.
- They worry about the obsolescence of their skills.
- The rapid obsolescence of software forces constant upgrades.
- Planned obsolescence is a common business strategy for some manufacturers.
- The academic debate centred on the moral implications of planned obsolescence.
- The obsolescence of the doctrine became apparent after the geopolitical shift.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: OLD + SCENTS. Old scents (perfumes) fall out of fashion and into OBSOLESCENCE.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A FORCE (that renders things obsolete). OBSOLESCENCE IS A PATH/A JOURNEY (things are 'on the path to', 'heading for' obsolescence).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'устарелость' (outdatedness) which is a state; 'obsolescence' is more often the *process*. The direct calque 'обсолесценция' does not exist.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing spelling: 'obsolesense', 'obsolenscence'. Misuse as a verb: 'It obsolescences quickly' (incorrect; use 'becomes obsolete').
Practice
Quiz
In a business report, 'obsolescence' most closely relates to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Obsolete' is an adjective describing something outdated. 'Obsolescence' is the noun form describing the *process* of *becoming* obsolete.
Rarely. It is typically neutral or negative. However, in contexts of progress (e.g., 'the obsolescence of harmful technologies'), it can have a positive connotation.
A business strategy where a product is designed to have a limited useful life, so that consumers will need to replace it sooner.
In British English: /ˌɒbsəˈlesəns/ (ob-suh-LESS-enss). In American English: /ˌɑːbsəˈlesəns/ (ahb-suh-LESS-enss). The stress is on the third syllable.
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