decentralization

noun

de·​cen·​tral·​i·​za·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce decentralization (audio)
1
: the dispersion or distribution of functions and powers
a decentralization of powers
specifically, government : the delegation of power from a central authority to regional and local authorities
the decentralization of the state's public school system
government decentralization
2
sociology : the redistribution of population and industry from urban centers to outlying areas
decentralize verb

Examples of decentralization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the history of technology, the pendulum regularly swings between centralization and decentralization. Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 The defunding of public networks has made the decentralization of kids’ TV more stark, while individual companies and studios differ on what’s considered worthwhile programming. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 11 Aug. 2025 That means improving scalability and speed without sacrificing its core principles of decentralization and security — and ideally making those properties even stronger. Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2025 If this is to become a true Bitcoin renaissance, those building the infrastructure must pair institutional scale with a firm commitment to decentralization, neutrality and user ownership. Carylyne Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for decentralization

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decentralization was in 1846

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Cite this Entry

“Decentralization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decentralization. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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