devaluation

noun

de·​val·​u·​a·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌval-yə-ˈwā-shən 

-yü-ˈā-

1

: an official reduction in the exchange value of a currency by a lowering of its gold equivalency or its value relative to another currency

2

: a lessening especially of status or stature : decline

Examples of devaluation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The tariffs are not the only obstacle however, the dollar devaluation also complicates things. —Elisabetta Tosi, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025

Significant tariff wars, along with competitive currency devaluations, were rightly viewed as major contributing factors to interwar economic dislocations, capped by the Great Depression. —Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2025

Nigeria's economy struggled with recession, high unemployment, and currency devaluation. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025

Stocks with large amounts of overseas revenue and strong pricing power could outperform if the U.S. engineers an effective dollar devaluation as part of White House trade talks, according to Jefferies. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 28 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing devaluation

• pre-devaluation

Rhymes for devaluation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Legal Definition

devaluation

noun

de·​val·​u·​ation (ˌ)dē-ˌval-yə-ˈwā-shən 

1

: an official reduction in the exchange value of a currency by a lowering of its gold equivalency or its value relative to another currency

2

: a lessening of the value of something (as an asset)

portfolio devaluation