age; deteriorate; become obsolete
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesverb
to age; to deteriorate (of materials like rubber, plastic)
technicalTechnical term used for materials science and engineering contexts.
This cable has deteriorated and needs to be replaced.
Plastic ages easily when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
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Preventing the aging of rubber products is a key issue in manufacturing.
verb
to age (of population or personnel); to become top-heavy with older members
Often used with 'population' or 'leadership team'. Can function as a noun in compound phrases.
This country is facing a serious problem of population aging.
The company's management is aging and lacks innovative vitality.
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The phenomenon of aging leadership teams needs to be taken seriously.
verb
to become obsolete; to age (of knowledge, skills, etc.)
Used for abstract concepts like knowledge, skills, or technology.
If you don't keep learning, professional knowledge becomes obsolete very easily.
Preventing the aging of one's knowledge structure is the goal of lifelong learning.
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Technology updates too fast; equipment becomes obsolete before it's been used for long.