planned obsolescence ( j* P, n- K# M' a/ a! D' e the practice of building and selling a product with a limited useful life such that the customers feel they must buy a new version when their first purchase becomes old or inferior ' ` {. o: Q6 H5 |- P" X$ g5 ` Example: - j3 ~2 x0 L) y/ H x- [! G: X A planned obsolescence strategy increased the profits of the U.S. automobile industry by increasing customers' desire to buy new car models with new features every few years.