"state or process of gradually falling into disuse, a becoming obsolete," 1809; see obsolescent + -ence. Phrase planned obsolescence was coined 1932, revived as a disparaging term 1950s.
Entries linking to obsolescence
obsolescent adj.
"becoming obsolete, passing out of use," 1755, from Latin obsolescentum (nominative obsolescens), present participle of obsolescere "fall into disuse" (see obsolete).