Obsolesce
/ˌɒb.səˈlɛs/noun
To become outdated, unused, or no longer effective.
Did you know?Obsolesce comes from a Latin verb describing a gradual process—something does not simply become obsolete; it slowly slips out of customary use.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
obsolēscere
“To become worn out, deteriorate, or fall into disuse”
Classical Latin
Latin
obsolētus
“Worn out, disused, or neglected; the source of English obsolete”
16th Century
English
obsolete
“No longer used or current; borrowed from Latin”
19th Century
English
obsolesce
“To become obsolete, formed in English from obsolete”
Modern English
English
obsolesce
“To gradually become outdated, ineffective, or unused”
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