The word "obsolescent" is spelled with two consonant clusters, "bsl" and "sc". The "bsl" cluster is pronounced as a single "s" sound, as in "missile" (IPA: /ˈmɪs.ɪl/), while the "sc" cluster is pronounced as an "s" followed by a "k" sound, as in "disclose" (IPA: /dɪsˈkləʊz/). The word means becoming obsolete or outdated, and its spelling accurately represents its meaning with the use of the prefix "ob-" and the suffix "-escent" denoting a gradual process of becoming.
Obsolescent is an adjective that describes something or someone that is in the process of becoming obsolete or outdated. The term is derived from the word "obsolete," which refers to something that is no longer in use or practice.
When something is obsolescent, it is still in use or prevalent but is gradually losing its relevance or popularity. It implies that the object or idea may soon become obsolete if it is not updated or replaced with a newer version or alternative.
Obsolescent may be used to describe various aspects of society, technology, or even personal skills. For example, with the rapid advancements in technology, certain devices or software may become obsolescent as newer and more efficient alternatives are introduced. Similarly, certain ideas or practices may become obsolescent as societal norms and values evolve.
The term obsolescent suggests that the item or concept in question is not entirely outdated yet, but it is on a path towards becoming so. It is often used to describe a transitional phase where the outdated aspects are gradually fading away, giving way to newer and more relevant alternatives.
Overall, obsolescent signifies a state of decline or fading relevance, indicating that the object or idea is no longer at the forefront or in demand, and is progressively being replaced by newer and more advanced alternatives.
Going out of use.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word obsolescent is derived from the Latin verb obsolescere, which means to grow old or to go out of use. It is formed by adding the suffix -scere (related to the English verb to become) to the prefix ob- (meaning toward or before). Thus, obsolescent essentially means becoming old or tending toward obsolescence.