Obsolesce Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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obsolesce
[əbˈsɒl.əs ]
Definition
becoming outdated
Obsolesce refers to the process by which something becomes outdated or no longer useful over time. It often pertains to technology or products that are gradually replaced by more advanced alternatives. As society evolves, certain items can become irrelevant due to innovation or changing consumer preferences. This phenomenon is common in fast-paced industries where new developments occur frequently.
Synonyms
become obsolete, decline, deteriorate.
Examples of usage
- The rapid advancement of smartphones may cause previous models to obsolesce quickly.
- Many traditional jobs have started to obsolesce due to automation.
- As digital media rises, physical media like CDs and DVDs continue to obsolesce.
- To remain competitive, companies must innovate or risk their products obsolescing.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Technology
- As technology advances, new devices can lead to older models becoming obsolescent, such as how smartphones quickly replace earlier models.
- Software can obsolesce when newer versions are released, making older ones less compatible with modern systems.
- Products such as DVDs and CDs have become obsolescent with the rise of streaming services.
Economics
- Obsolescence can drive consumer behavior, pushing people to buy newer products even if their current items still work.
- In planned obsolescence, companies intentionally design products to have a limited lifespan, prompting customers to replace them sooner.
- Economic cycles can be influenced by technological obsolescence, affecting job markets and industries.
Cultural Trends
- Fashion trends illustrate cultural obsolescence, where styles cycle in and out of popularity rapidly.
- Media formats can obsolesce, like how VHS tapes faded into history due to DVDs and now digital streaming.
- Cultural practices can also become obsolete as society evolves, such as certain traditions that lose popularity over time.
Environment
- Obsolescence affects sustainability; products that obsolesce quickly contribute to waste and environmental issues.
- Recycling initiatives often address the challenges posed by obsolescent materials and electronics.
- In contrast, some items are designed for longevity, challenging the conventional idea of planned obsolescence.
Origin of 'obsolesce'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'obsolescere,' meaning 'to fall into disuse.'
- It entered the English language in the early 19th century, reflecting societal changes in technology and culture.
- Often used in discussions about technology and trends, the word captures the gradual process of becoming outdated.
The term 'obsolesce' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the Latin word 'obsolescere', which means 'to fall into disuse'. This Latin root is a combination of 'ob-', meaning 'over' or 'against', and 'solescere', which relates to growing or becoming. The concept began to gain traction as industrialization and technological advancements accelerated, leading to products and practices becoming obsolete more rapidly than before. In modern usage, 'obsolesce' encapsulates a social and economic phenomenon where innovation is continuous, leading to the quick replacement of older technologies and practices in various fields.