planned obsolescence

American  

noun

1. a method of stimulating consumer demand by designing products that wear out or become outmoded after limited use.

---

planned obsolescence British  

noun

1. Also called: built-in obsolescence.  the policy of deliberately limiting the life of a product in order to encourage the purchaser to replace it

---

planned obsolescence Cultural  

1. Incorporating into a product features that will almost certainly go out of favor in a short time, thereby inducing the consumer to purchase a new model of the product. Placing sweeping tail fins on an automobile was an example of planned obsolescence.

---

Etymology

Origin of planned obsolescence

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Planned obsolescence may be the reality of modern home gadgets, but a little TLC can go a long way.

From Salon • Aug. 19, 2025

Planned obsolescence by manufacturers is part of the problem, but resolving this issue will also be a matter of public education and policies that boost civic-mindedness and environmental consciousness.

From Scientific American • Dec. 21, 2022

Planned obsolescence isn’t a new criticism for the company.

From Slate • Jun. 30, 2018

Planned obsolescence has already come in the form of quieter or more beautiful or meeting a style need or thinner or lighter or more elegant.

From Forbes • Apr. 11, 2013

"Planned obsolescence," says Henry Ford II. "is out the window."

From Time Magazine Archive