Desuetude vs. Obsolescence — What's the Difference?

Can happen to words or languages that are no longer spoken.

Often related to consumer goods and technology.

A state where something is no longer used and becomes obsolete.

The condition of being outdated due to new technological or conceptual advances.

Can be seen in cultural practices.

Applies to systems or methods replaced by more efficient alternatives.

Often applies to laws that are not enforced.

Driven by innovation and upgrades.

Indicates a fading from lack of use, not just replacement.

Can be planned to encourage consumption.

In law, desuetude (; from French désuétude, from Latin desuetudo 'outdated, no longer custom') is a doctrine that causes statutes, similar legislation, or legal principles to lapse and become unenforceable by a long habit of non-enforcement or lapse of time. It is what happens to laws that are not repealed when they become obsolete.

Obsolescence is the state of being which occurs when an object, service, or practice is no longer maintained, required, or degraded even though it may still be in good working order.The international standard IEC 62402:2019 Obsolescence Management defines obsolescence as the "transition from available to unavailable from the manufacturer in accordance with the original specification".Obsolescence frequently occurs because a replacement has become available that has, in sum, more advantages compared to the disadvantages incurred by maintaining or repairing the original. Obsolete also refers to something that is already disused or discarded, or antiquated.

A state of disuse or inactivity.

Being in the process of passing out of use or usefulness; becoming obsolete.

(uncountable) The state when something (for example, a custom or a law) is no longer observed nor practised; disuse, obsolescence; (countable) an instance of this.

(Biology) Becoming reduced during the course of evolution; vestigial or nearly vestigial. Used of an organ or other part of an organism.

Chiefly followed by from or of: a cessation of practising or using something.

(uncountable) The state of being obsolete—no longer in use; gone into disuse; disused or neglected.

The cessation of use; disuse; discontinuance of practice, custom, or fashion.

(countable) The process of becoming obsolete, outmoded or out of date.

A state of inactivity or disuse

The state of becoming obsolete.

The process of becoming obsolete; falling into disuse or becoming out of date;

Desuetude is usually not intentional; it occurs naturally as societal needs and behaviors evolve.

Obsolescence, especially planned obsolescence, can lead to increased waste and environmental degradation as products are discarded more frequently.

Desuetude occurs when a practice or item is no longer used or enforced, often due to changing societal norms or preferences.

Yes, cultural practices can become obsolete or fall into desuetude if they no longer serve a purpose or are replaced by new practices.

Yes, laws can become obsolete either through desuetude if they are no longer enforced, or formally repealed when recognized as outdated.

Companies may manage product obsolescence through updates, upgrades, or by introducing completely new product lines.

Natural obsolescence occurs as a result of genuine advancements, while planned obsolescence is a strategy by manufacturers to artificially limit a product's lifespan.

Technological obsolescence happens when a device or process is no longer used because newer, more efficient technology is available.

Desuetude can be prevented by maintaining the relevance and utility of a practice, law, or language through active use and adaptation.

Innovation is the primary driver of obsolescence, as new creations make older versions less efficient or desirable.

The replacement of typewriters with computers and word processing software is an example of obsolescence in the workplace.

Encouraging recycling, redesigning products for longer life spans, and promoting repair over replacement can help mitigate the environmental impact of obsolescence.

Digital technologies are particularly susceptible to obsolescence as software and hardware advancements are rapid.

Yes, digital content can fall into desuetude if it stops being accessed or maintained, becoming effectively obsolete.

Trends such as bell-bottom jeans have become obsolete as fashion trends evolve.