English vocabulary · C2
Obsolescence
/ˌɑːbsəˈlesns/ · n.
Obsolescence is when new things make old things far less useful. Those old things may still work very well, but people no longer need them.
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Example sentences
- Obsolescence left him jobless.
- Skills fight obsolescence.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- obsolesc — fall from use (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- DISUSE — a lack of use (No longer used)
- REDUNDANCY — being more than needed (No longer needed)
- USELESSNESS — being of no use (No use remains)
Similar words
- disuse
- redundancy
- uselessness
- outdatedness
- datedness
Lesson notes
Obsolescence is when new things make old things far less useful. Those old things may still work very well, but people no longer need them.
Related: disuse, redundancy, uselessness. Use obsolescence when tools lose use.
Obsolescence left him jobless. Skills fight obsolescence.
From Latin. Obsolesc- means fall from use. New tools bring obsolescence.