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

Despite improving economic indicators and an easing of the worst shortages, Sri Lankans have lost buying power due to high taxes and currency devaluation. —Bharatha Mallawarachi, Quartz, 21 Mar. 2024

Evidence supporting the above claim is the aforementioned, and routine devaluation of the Argentine peso itself. —John Tamny, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024

Argentina announced a sharp devaluation of its currency and cuts to energy and transportation subsidies on Dec. 12, as part of shock measures new President Javier Milei says are needed to deal with an economic emergency. —Débora Rey, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Dec. 2023

Many Egyptians are dreading an upcoming currency devaluation, demanded by the IMF and other lenders, which is expected to take place early next year — once Sisi has solidified his hold on power. —Claire Parker, Washington Post, 10 Dec. 2023

The new devaluation and interest rate hike will inflict further pain on Egyptians already struggling with soaring prices, said Hamish Kinnear, senior analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft. —Samy Magdy, Quartz, 6 Mar. 2024

Instead, the two men appear to have been swept up in Nigeria's broad actions to ban cryptocurrency exchanges amid a drastic devaluation of the country's national currency, according to the Financial Times, which was first to report the two executives' detention without identifying them. —Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 12 Mar. 2024

It could even be said that the devaluation and erasure of the Black experience is as American as apple pie. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 7 Feb. 2024

Argentina on Tuesday announced a sharp devaluation of its currency and cuts to energy and transportation subsidies as part of shock measures new President Javier Milei says are needed to deal with an economic emergency. —Débora Rey, Fortune, 13 Dec. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing devaluation

• pre-devaluation

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