'obsolescence' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'obsolescere,' where 'ob-' meant 'away' and 'solescere' meant 'to grow old.'

'obsolescere' transformed into the French word 'obsolescence,' and eventually became the modern English word 'obsolescence' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to grow old or fall into disuse,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the process of becoming outdated or no longer used.'