Obsolesce

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ɒbsəˈlɛs/

Definitions

1. To undergo a process in which something becomes less relevant or useful due to advancements or changes in society or technology
2. To experience a gradual decline in practical application or value as newer alternatives take precedence in a given context
3. To gradually fall out of use or favor as newer methods or items replace it

Etymology: The verb "obsolesce" grows out of a Latin verb with a surprisingly bodily sense: "obsolescere" meant "to wear out, fall into disuse, grow old, decay." Its roots are "obs-", a prefix often meaning "away" or "against," and "olesco," a verb meaning "to grow." That same "olesco" sits behind "adolescent," which in Latin described someone growing up. So the two words are close relatives: one describes growing toward maturity, the other growing away from usefulness. English took the Latin verb's core idea and turned it toward objects and ideas. What once wore out physically, such as a cloth or a building, now describes a machine, a fashion, or a technology that slips out of date gradually rather than all at once. The word is used most often for products and systems that are still functioning but are being replaced by newer versions.

Synonyms: become outdated, fall out of use, become obsolete, expire, fade

Antonyms: become current, renew, revive, modernize, update