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

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.