planned obsolescence
noun
a method of stimulating consumer demand by designing products that wear out or become outmoded after limited use.
Also called
built-in obsolescence.
Origin of planned obsolescence
First recorded in 1965–70
Words nearby planned obsolescence
planking,
plankter,
plankton,
planned,
planned economy,
planned obsolescence,
planned parenthood,
planner,
planning,
planning blight,
planning permission
British Dictionary definitions for planned obsolescence
planned obsolescence
noun
the policy of deliberately limiting the life of a product in order to encourage the purchaser to replace it
Also called: built-in obsolescence
Cultural definitions for planned obsolescence
planned obsolescence
[ (ob-suh-les-uhns) ]
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.