zneuité

Zneuití is a term used in discussions of technology, economy, and sustainability to describe the deliberate reduction or withdrawal of practical utility from a product, service, or system. It denotes practices that limit how much value users can derive without necessarily removing the object from use. The concept is used to analyze phenomena such as forced scarcity, design choices that curb functionality, interoperability constraints, or governance policies that restrict allowable uses. Etymologically, zneuití is formed from the Czech prefix z- (negation) and užití (use), yielding “the negation of use.” The term is primarily used in theoretical debates, design ethics, and sustainability studies, and can be described as intentional or structural, with possible motivations ranging from environmental concerns to socio-political protest or market strategies.

In practice, zneuití can appear as software updates that remove features, hardware that becomes incompatible with older accessories, or services that limit certain activities by policy or licensing. Critics say the concept can be vague and difficult to measure, and warn that it risks masking real policy trade-offs or harming users. Proponents view zneuití as a lens to evaluate how design and governance choices affect consumption, equity, and resilience. See also: planned obsolescence, design for disuse, degrowth, sustainable design.