Final answer:
Obsolete or out of date refers to something no longer in use, often accelerated by planned obsolescence, a strategy where products are designed to become unusable or non-repairable over time. This prompts consumers to purchase newer models, evident in technology and fashion industries.
Step-by-step explanation:
When something is no longer in use, it is described as obsolete or out of date. If we look to the strategy of planned obsolescence, this involves technology companies intentionally designing products to be obsolete or unusable from the time they are created. This concept has become increasingly common with items like cell phones and laptops, where manufacturers count on a product's eventual failure, encouraging consumers to upgrade to newer models, even though the old ones are not capable of cost-effective repair or are no longer compatible with current software or trends.
The progression of technology naturally phases out older models. For example, the technical education labs installed 50 years ago no longer serve modern needs. However, this should differentiate from planned obsolescence, which is a conscious effort by manufacturers to ensure that current products have a limited useful lifespan, thus prompting frequent replacement purchases by consumers, as seen in the case of mobile phones and nylon stockings.