Definitions

1. verb

to use or exploit something, especially an old or used item, for parts or materials to be used to maintain or update something else, typically in a way that is wasteful or inefficient.

“The company will cannibalise its old inventory to meet the increased demand for new components.”

2. verb

to cause something to become less effective or successful by competing with it for resources or customers.

“The new smartphone app will cannibalise the sales of the company’s existing software.”

3. noun

the act of using or exploiting something, especially an old or used item, for parts or materials to be used to maintain or update something else.

“The cannibalisation of the old equipment resulted in significant cost savings.”

4. noun

the act of causing something to become less effective or successful by competing with it for resources or customers.

“The cannibalisation of the company’s existing product line led to a significant decline in sales.”