product lifecycle
From Longman Business DictionaryLBED_10_bproduct lifecycleˌproduct ˈlifecycle abbreviation PLCMARKETING the four stages in the existence of a product: INTRODUCTION, when development costs and therefore prices are high, and sales are low; GROWTH, when sales rise fast and profits increase; MATURITY, when sales rise more slowly and weaker competitors leave the market; and DECLINE, when sales and profits fall. The product may eventually be removed from the marketShorter product lifecycles mean that investment in innovation is critical in global competition. → lifecycle