What does obsoleting mean?
Obsoleting means making something outdated or no longer useful, accepted, or relevant. It is commonly used in technology, industry, administration, and design, where a new standard, system, or regulation replaces an older one. The word suggests a completed or developing transition rather than simply describing something as old: a device can be obsolete, while a new release can obsolete that device. It often implies that the earlier option remains physically present but has lost its practical status. Although “obsolete” is the more familiar adjective, “obsoleting” is useful when the action of replacing or rendering something outdated is important. The term can also be used metaphorically for practices, ideas, or institutions that are displaced by newer developments, though it is generally more formal than everyday expressions such as “putting something out of use.”
verbTo make something outdated or no longer used or accepted. It may also mean to cause something to become less important or less relevant through change or development.
- To make something outdated, obsolete, or no longer suitable for use.
- To replace or supersede something through technological or practical change.
"The new specification gradually obsoletes the previous version."
"The upgrade obsoletes several older features of the application."
"New regulations may soon obsolete the current filing process."
Obsoleting is the quiet work of making yesterday’s standard disappear from use without announcing its retirement.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obsoleting come from?
The word is formed from “obsolete,” which comes from Latin obsolētus, meaning old, worn out, or no longer useful. Latin obsolētus developed from roots associated with becoming accustomed or grown old. The English form entered use in the 16th and 17th centuries, and “obsoleting” is the modern present participle of the verb “obsolete.” Related forms such as “obsolescence” and “obsolescent” continue the same Latin source.
Related word forms
How obsoleting is actually used
Usually transitive and formal or technical. It describes the result of making something outdated or replacing it, rather than the gradual decline of something that is no longer useful.