Obsolescing: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 'Obsolescing' comes from the Latin word 'obsolescere,' which means 'to fall into disuse.'
• The prefix 'ob-' means 'away' or 'against,' and 'solescere' relates to 'to grow,' suggesting something that is growing away from usefulness.
• The term became popular in the 20th century, especially as technology advanced rapidly.

Technology

• Many gadgets, like flip phones, have become obsolescent with the rise of smartphones, illustrating how innovation can render old technology irrelevant.
• Software often undergoes obsolescence as new versions are released, making older versions less effective and sometimes unsupported.
• In the automotive industry, traditional combustion engines are becoming obsolescent as electric vehicles gain popularity.

Cultural Trends

• Cultural practices can also become obsolescent; for instance, letters and postcards have decreased in use due to email and texting.
• Music formats have evolved from vinyl records to CDs and then to digital streaming, showing how listening habits have made older formats less common.
• Fashion trends can fade into obsolescence, such as bell-bottom jeans making way for straight-leg styles.

Economics

• Products can become obsolescent when newer, more efficient options enter the market, impacting consumer choices and production.
• The concept of planned obsolescence refers to designing products to have a limited lifespan, encouraging consumers to buy replacements sooner.
• Economic shifts, like moving towards sustainability, can cause industries based on certain materials to render their products obsolescent.

Literature

• In literary works, themes of obsolescence often explore mortality and change, reflecting characters grappling with outdated values or skills.
• Post-apocalyptic narratives frequently examine how society's tools and technologies become obsolete, focusing on what remains useful.
• The advent of new narratives can lead older literary techniques to become less favored in modern literature.