obsolescent

adjective

ob·​so·​les·​cent ˌäb-sə-ˈle-sᵊnt How to pronounce obsolescent (audio)
Synonyms of obsolescentnext
: going out of use : becoming obsolete
obsolescently adverb

Examples of obsolescent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If Iran invaded another country, its obsolescent conventional forces would be destroyed handily by the United States and its allies. — Barry R. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2010 But Randolph and Hastings always planned on video streaming rendering the DVD-by-mail service obsolescent once technology advanced to the point that watching movies and TV shows through internet connections became viable. — Michael Liedtke, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1755, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of obsolescent was in 1755

Rhymes for obsolescent

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obsolescent
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“Obsolescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsolescent. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

obsolescent

adjective
ob·​so·​les·​cent ˌäb-sə-ˈles-ᵊnt How to pronounce obsolescent (audio)
: going out of use : becoming obsolete
replacing obsolescent equipment

More from Merriam-Webster on obsolescent

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for obsolescent

Nglish: Translation of obsolescent for Spanish Speakers

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