Definitions
- Referring to the state of being no longer in existence or operation. - Describing something that has ceased to exist or function. - Talking about the end of a company, organization, or system.
- Referring to the process of becoming outdated or no longer useful. - Describing something that is gradually becoming less relevant or effective. - Talking about the decline of a product, technology, or idea due to newer alternatives.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is no longer relevant or useful.
- 2Both words refer to the end of something.
- 3Both words can be used to describe products, technologies, or ideas.
What is the difference?
- 1Timing: Defunctness refers to something that has already ended, while obsolescence describes something that is in the process of becoming irrelevant.
- 2Cause: Defunctness implies that something has ended due to external factors, such as bankruptcy or closure, while obsolescence suggests that something is becoming outdated due to newer alternatives or changing trends.
- 3Scope: Defunctness is more limited in scope and usually refers to the end of a specific entity, such as a company or system, while obsolescence can refer to a broader range of things, including products, technologies, or ideas.
- 4Connotation: Defunctness has a more final and conclusive connotation, while obsolescence suggests a gradual decline or fading away.
- 5Usage: Defunctness is less commonly used than obsolescence in everyday language.
Remember this!
Defunctness and obsolescence both describe the end of something, but they differ in timing, cause, scope, connotation, and usage. Defunctness refers to something that has already ended due to external factors, such as bankruptcy or closure, while obsolescence describes something that is becoming outdated due to newer alternatives or changing trends. Defunctness is more limited in scope and has a more final connotation, while obsolescence can refer to a broader range of things and suggests a gradual decline.
